One of the great joys of stories is that there are so many formats in which to enjoy them. It is far easier now to have stories on demand especially via laptop, tablet or mobile. The Banbury Cross lady had music wherever she went but I’d rather have stories wherever I go!
There are flash fiction stories, standard length stories (usually up to 2000 words) [Read more…] about No Books = No Movies?
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
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
People blog about, talk about, write about and visit Fryern Arcade in Chandler’s Ford so there must be something good about it.
Shortly after Fryern was opened in 1967, Ian Nairn, an architectural journalist wrote in the Observer (October 8th 1967) about Fryern and compared it with a similar development, the Fairwater Centre, in Cwmbran, South Wales. [Read more…] about The Good and the Bad of Fryern Arcade
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is the greatest of all Jane Austen’s works.
It is a blueprint for romantic comedy and Elizabeth Bennet remains one of my favourite literary heroines, being quick witted and intelligent at a time when that was not particularly welcomed. (It isn’t always welcomed now in some places, unfortunately). [Read more…] about Jane Austen: An Appreciation by Allison Symes
How many lives do you have? One? Two (the one at work, the one at home for example)? Three (work, home, involvement in amateur dramatics or the church, say)?
I have had multiple lives in Chandler’s Ford but will focus on two: before becoming a dog owner and since then and before becoming a writer and since. Chandler’s Ford has influenced both. [Read more…] about What Has Chandler’s Ford Done for Me?
Books can be dangerous because they deal in ideas so I reckon the two most dangerous places in Chandler’s Ford are our wonderful library and W.H.Smith at Fryern since one lends out books and the other sells them!
It is also fantastic that, especially after the loss of The Arcade Bookshop, we have another bookseller and our library is a real asset. May both keep going from strength to strength.
[Read more…] about Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
Chandler’s Ford is like a well-engineered machine. It works smoothly, runs well and does not break down.
It is serviced thoroughly by Eastleigh Borough Council; traffic flows are fluid and it has good bus services and a railway station.
The shops here are more than adequate with three supermarkets (Co-operative Food, Asda, and Waitrose), [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Guide Book Entry
Today, I’m going to say what I love about my home town. (Or I’m just doing it for my pocket money). So, here we go…
Easily the best thing about Chandler’s Ford is the library.
I love going there and read, whether it’s the film section or a fictional science fiction novel (99% of the time it’s Doctor Who. There are also a wide range of [Read more…] about Three Things I Love about Chandler’s Ford
From today, WH Smith in Chandler’s Ford has started selling two novels by Chandler’s Ford author, Richard Hardie.
Richard Hardie’s two books are: Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords.
Currently, WH Smith in Chandler’s Ford is the exclusive bookshop selling Richard Hardie’s books. [Read more…] about Support Chandler’s Ford Authors: Books Available from Fryern Arcade WH Smith
The Shambelurklers Return is a collection of short stories and poems for children. Two of the stories were written by Chandler’s Ford authors, Allison Symes and Richard Hardie.
All royalties of the book go directly to The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism. [Read more…] about The Shambelurklers Return: Support National Autistic Society
Would you like to encourage your teenage children to read over the half-term holiday?
The fantasy books for Young Adults by Chandler’s Ford writer Richard Hardie are now available in Chandler’s Ford Library and Southampton Civic Center Library, on the Teen / Young Adult shelves.
The two books are: Leap of Faith and Trouble With Swords. [Read more…] about Fantasy Books by Richard Hardie: Now in Chandler’s Ford Library
In the Was Camelot Really In Chandler’s Ford? post, Chandler’s Ford published writer Richard Hardie told us about his new book.
Richard Hardie’s book Trouble With Swords, the second in his fantasy adventure series, has just been published. [Read more…] about Published: Trouble with Swords by Richard Hardie
I moved to Chandler’s Ford 27 years ago, because at that time it was easy and quick to drive up the M3 to where I was working near London than commute down the M1. How that has changed! But then so has my job and I now spend most of my time at home as an author, or touring bookshops signing books.
Soon after moving here I became a Scout Leader [Read more…] about Was Camelot Really in Chandler’s Ford?
Today (8th of February) is National Libraries Day, a day to celebrate and cherish our libraries.
We visit the Chandler’s Ford Library quite often. Today, I’m going to show you some features of the library. First, the multi-language automatic check-out machines. [Read more…] about Does Spelling Matter? Notes On Chandler’s Ford Library.
Do you know you can enjoy eBooks and eAudiobooks on your computer, phone, tablet or iPod from Hampshire Libraries, for free?
Feeling nervous? There will be an eBooks and eAudiobook surgery at Chandler’s Ford Library on the 24th of January (Friday), from 10am to 12pm.
[Read more…] about eBook And eAudiobook Surgery In Chandler’s Ford Library
This coming Saturday (25th May), Chandler’s Ford library is celebrating its 30th birthday. Don’t forget to visit the library to celebrate it together.
Here are some of the exciting activities on the day:
Featuring Mr Tall and Jude’s Ice Cream [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Library: 30th Birthday
