I celebrated my 50th birthday this week so thought I would see if I could find 50 things to like about the Chandler’s Ford area.
Here goes… [Read more…] about 50 Things I Like about the Chandler’s Ford Area (Part 1)
Chandler's Ford Library
What’s On in Chandler’s Ford – Spring 2016
Though it may be cold and wet these days, there are some interesting activities in and around Chandler’s Ford just for you.
If you are the kind of person who plan your social life months ahead, then you may want to sign up for The Chandler’s Ford Itchen Walk, which will take place on Sunday 12th June 2016.
Early birds get a bit of discount too. [Read more…] about What’s On in Chandler’s Ford – Spring 2016
How Have Your Reading Habits Changed?
The natural follow up to my recent post about favourite forms of writing is about my favourite forms of reading in all its forms – non-fiction, fiction, poetry, books, magazines, e-books, newspapers.
It also takes a brief look at reading habits given it is not just a question of print media any more for sources of reading material. [Read more…] about How Have Your Reading Habits Changed?
Writing, Blogging, Social Media…What’s Your Favourite Forms of Writing?
What are your favourite forms of writing? Fiction? Non-fiction? Poetry?
Do you ever think when you pick up a pen or put fingers to keyboard we are all following a tradition going back thousands of years? Or appreciate how important writing, in all its forms, is for cultural reasons? Or how dangerous writing can be? [Read more…] about Writing, Blogging, Social Media…What’s Your Favourite Forms of Writing?
Sharing the Joy of Libraries
I love the word serendipity. It has a lovely meaning and a great sound.
This post, I think, can be thought of as being a case of serendipity.
I was planning a post about the joy of libraries for some time and then read Mike’s wonderful article from Sri Lanka about renovating the school library, which confirmed to me I should go ahead with this now. [Read more…] about Sharing the Joy of Libraries
Hampshire Library Consultation: Have your Say
In the days before Google, people used to call their librarians with questions.
“What kind of an apple did Eve eat?”
“Why do 18th century English paintings have so many squirrels in them, and how did they tame them so that they wouldn’t bite the painter?” [Read more…] about Hampshire Library Consultation: Have your Say
Journey to Sri Lanka: Creating a Local Library for 1,000 Girls
On the main road into Kandy there is a narrow doorway leading to Dharmawickrama, a school for 1,000 girls.
My wife Brenda arranged to visit to see what a state school is like. The contrasts within were striking. The building was poorly maintained and conditions were crowded and there were few facilities, no play area, squatter toilets, builder’s rubble in some corridors. [Read more…] about Journey to Sri Lanka: Creating a Local Library for 1,000 Girls
Meet the Author Claire Fuller at Chandler’s Ford Library
Claire Fuller, an author from Winchester, will be meeting book lovers at Chandler’s Ford Library on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 from 7pm to 8pm.
Claire Fuller is a novelist and an artist. She is the author of two books: Our Endless Numbered Days, and Swimming Lessons (forthcoming from Fig Tree / Penguin).
[Read more…] about Meet the Author Claire Fuller at Chandler’s Ford Library
10 Wishes for Chandler’s Ford for 2016
I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. They usually mean giving up alcohol, which is not a huge problem for me as I don’t drink much, or chocolate and that is where I do run into difficulties!
However, I thought I would list some things I would love to see in 2016, all of which would benefit Chandler’s Ford and its residents.
Adventures of a Fantasy Author – Richard Hardie Interview Part 2
Further to last week’s post, when Chandler’s Ford author, Richard Hardie of the Temporal Detective Agency fame, shared what signings and other events have occupied him recently, this continuation shares some of his further news as well as tips for fellow writers.
[Read more…] about Adventures of a Fantasy Author – Richard Hardie Interview Part 2
Further Adventures of a Fantasy Author
One of my earliest posts for Chandler’s Ford Today was an interview I conducted with local author, and fellow dog walker, Richard Hardie, who had not long released The Trouble With Swords, his second book in his Temporal Detective series and follow up to the marvellous Leap of Faith. [Read more…] about Further Adventures of a Fantasy Author
An Interactive Local History Talk by Martin Napier
I spent a fascinating and hugely enjoyable afternoon at Chandler’s Ford library yesterday where I attended a talk on “Growing up in Chandler’s Ford in the 50s and 60s” by local ‘lad’ Martin Napier.
Extra chairs had to be brought out to accommodate everyone. [Read more…] about An Interactive Local History Talk by Martin Napier
Hampshire County Library Strategy: Needs Your Views
Hampshire County Council have issued a Draft Strategy for the Library Service. This Strategy includes an online questionnaire, actively seeking the public’s views on the proposals. [Read more…] about Hampshire County Library Strategy: Needs Your Views
Richard Hardie: “So You Want to be an Author?”
At the Chandler’s Ford library today I attended an author talk by Richard Hardie: “So you want to be an author?”.
Richard is a Chandler’s Ford author who has written two books in the Temporal Detective Agency series – Leap of Faith and Trouble in Mind. He talked to us about being a writer and good writing tips. [Read more…] about Richard Hardie: “So You Want to be an Author?”
Things to Do during October Half Term in Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh Town Centre
Yes the October half term holiday is upon us. What’s your plan?
First, the coffin has arrived!
What am I talking about? The coffin has now arrived at Ritchie Hall ready for the Chameleon Theatre Company’s new production, Dracula. [Read more…] about Things to Do during October Half Term in Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh Town Centre
A Talk by Martin Napier at Chandler’s Ford Library: Growing up in Chandler’s Ford in the 1950s and 1960s
Inspired by the history posts in Chandler’s Ford Today, Chandler’s Ford Library invites residents to attend a talk by Martin Napier.
Martin published a popular series on Chandler’s Ford Today, Growing up in Chandler’s Ford in the 1950s and 1960s, last summer. [Read more…] about A Talk by Martin Napier at Chandler’s Ford Library: Growing up in Chandler’s Ford in the 1950s and 1960s
A Lucky Dip – Halloween Giveaways!
Come and join five authors of the paranormal, crime, horror, and young adult fantasy for a blockbusting Halloween book giveaway event, running from 18th October to 1st November 2015.
Chandler’s Ford based author, Richard Hardie, invites young readers to join him and four of his fellow authors for a special Halloween celebration. [Read more…] about A Lucky Dip – Halloween Giveaways!
What Do Architects Do?
L A Hally, a local architect, gave an informative talk about some of her work in Chandler’s Ford Today two weeks ago.
She specialises in designing extensions, rebuilds and redesign of houses in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about What Do Architects Do?
Richard Hardie’s Book Writing Fun at Chandler’s Ford Library
Chandler’s Ford author Richard Hardie will be signing copies of his Young Adult novels, Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords, at Chandler’s Ford Library.
Richard Hardie will be hosting two sessions on Thursday, 29th October. The first one will be between 10.30 and 12 noon and is called Let’s Write A Book. This session is aimed at 10 to 12 year olds. [Read more…] about Richard Hardie’s Book Writing Fun at Chandler’s Ford Library
Top 10 Reasons to Love Books
I have loved books, especially fiction, since I was very young.
My mother taught me how to read but was told off for it by teachers when I started school because she hadn’t done it in the correct way. I think these days she’d probably be given a medal. Mind, with all the issues in the news recently, I sometimes wonder how any of us of a certain age ever made it through the 1970s! [Read more…] about Top 10 Reasons to Love Books