Chandler's Ford Today

Chandler's Ford Community

Here we hope you get to discover Chandler's Ford, through local stories, Chandler's Ford history, events, and reflections and debates of topical issues. How has Chandler's Ford shown community spirit? How are we connected? This tag invites you to explore and develop our community together.

Hiltingbury Extravaganza – Talking Maths: Andrew Kuttner

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I’ve lived in Chandler’s Ford for over 25 years but it was only last Sunday I went to the Hiltingbury Extravaganza for the first time.

I was fascinated by the combination of pony trekking, the dog show, the hot food stalls, the icecream vans, the giant slides and a mini bus ride, the tea and cake stands and educational stalls.

Hang on… Educational stalls? At a family fair? A fun event?

Yes… and it wasn’t the first time one particular educational stall, manned by a very familar face, had been at the Extravaganza. [Read more…] about Hiltingbury Extravaganza – Talking Maths: Andrew Kuttner

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Voice of a Teenager: How to Improve Chandler’s Ford

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After the summer holiday in Perth and Singapore, I thought it would take a long while to get used to Chandler’s Ford life, but I have been able to recover quickly and adjust to the ordinary. My perception on many things changed slightly, more specifically how Chandler’s Ford can be improved.

Obviously I don’t hate it here. [Read more…] about Voice of a Teenager: How to Improve Chandler’s Ford

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Life in a Wheelchair

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We have a friend, let’s call her Betty, who is fit but cannot use her legs so she lives her life in a wheelchair. Many people treat her in a “does she take sugar?” fashion. She can answer for herself, she has a PhD, but she has to put up with being treated as an idiot. [Read more…] about Life in a Wheelchair

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Hampshire Scouts Present ‘Stepping Out’

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Hampshire Scout Shows Unite!

For the first time in the history of Scouting in Hampshire, the creative talents of multiple districts will be brought together in collaboration for a one night only performance as Hampshire Scouts present ‘Stepping Out’. [Read more…] about Hampshire Scouts Present ‘Stepping Out’

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Always Annoyed in August (Are Exams Easier?)

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Parenthood changes your outlook in many ways. One way is when it comes to secondary school education and beyond, with exams in the offing, you can be guaranteed every August without fail your blood will boil.  You will be annoyed. Why?

Because, without fail, somebody will claim, as the national exam results are much improved, the exams must be getting easier. That same old tired mantra comes out every August. Your blood boils every August. QED. [Read more…] about Always Annoyed in August (Are Exams Easier?)

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Chandler’s Ford Age Concern Centre: Upcoming Craft and Gift Markets

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Christmas is approaching (What? Have I just mentioned “Christmas”?), and this year, there will be a lot of craft, arts, and produce markets in Chandler’s Ford for you to buy the best gifts.

Chandler’s Ford Age Concern Centre on 7 Brownhill Road (SO53 2EB) will become a major centre for many upcoming markets. I hope you could visit these markets to support our local businesses. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Age Concern Centre: Upcoming Craft and Gift Markets

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Best of Chandler’s Ford Today: Top 12 Theatre Reviews

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Chandler’s Ford Today has published nearly 800 posts in two and a half years.

Today’s summary post celebrates local theatre reviews written by Chandler’s Ford writers. [Read more…] about Best of Chandler’s Ford Today: Top 12 Theatre Reviews

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My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 (Part 6)

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Doug Clews lived in Chandler’s Ford between 1938 and 1966. Now living in Perth, Western Australia, Doug shares his fascinating childhood memories of Chandler’s Ford with us.

Part 6 (Final)

I remember that, due to the shortage of diesel (distillate) and petrol, the buses were powered by gas, generated by a converter of some description, which was located on a little trailer towed behind the bus (very dirty and smelly).
[Read more…] about My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 (Part 6)

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Best of Chandler’s Ford Today: Your Comments

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Chandler’s Ford Today is all about conversation.

We write and publish posts. We engage in meaningful conversations, sharing a bit of our life and our views of the community through comments.

This post invites you to look back and enjoy some great posts which have triggered excellent, relevant, and interesting conversations. [Read more…] about Best of Chandler’s Ford Today: Your Comments

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Top 10 Reasons to Love Books

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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

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Why Visit Hampshire?

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In my 15 years of living in Hampshire (since birth), I have seen enough interesting places in this humble county in the South of the UK to call it a great place to be.

There is so much history and exotic locations, some of which are very important to the country’s history. Here are some reasons why Hampshire is an important and must see British location. [Read more…] about Why Visit Hampshire?

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Another Triumph for Chameleon Theatre Company

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This week my wife and I attended the latest offering by our local Chameleon Theatre Company. We also took along someone new to this form of entertainment as we were sure that she would be hooked as we are to this talented group.

We were not disappointed. [Read more…] about Another Triumph for Chameleon Theatre Company

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The 10th Eastleigh Mela

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Namaste Eastleigh!

The 10th Eastleigh Mela, held on Eastleigh Town Rec, took place on Sunday 19th July 2015.

This was my second year supporting the Mela and as before the event was a riot of colour, sound and wonderful smells! [Read more…] about The 10th Eastleigh Mela

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Review: Relatively Speaking – Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company

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Over the past month or so I have been helping out with the Chameleon Theatre Company, after seeing several of their shows.

I learnt how to work with the lights and sound effects for the show from Lionel Elliott and Rebecca Nye. Last Sunday I saw the full dress rehearsal as I will be unable to help during the actual show due to holiday-itis. So treat this review like a film review when the film critics go to see the show early. [Read more…] about Review: Relatively Speaking – Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company

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Thornden Hall: Alive with the Sound of Music

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It must be slightly daunting when planning to perform a well-known and loved musical. Everyone knows the story. Everyone knows what the songs are supposed to sound like. Can we do it justice? No such qualms need to have worried the cast and crew of who treated audiences to a feast of entertainment with Thornden School’s summer production of The Sound of Music last week.

The production required a large cast of over 100 performers – [Read more…] about Thornden Hall: Alive with the Sound of Music

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Park and Ride (South) – Winchester

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I used to dread going to Winchester, whether to the hospital or to the shops, because I am not someone who enjoys sitting in traffic queues, and parking at Winchester hospital is a nightmare, unless you arrive before 8.30am.

However, now that I have discovered Park and Ride (South) I really enjoy all my trips into Winchester, as it is so quick, pleasant and efficient! [Read more…] about Park and Ride (South) – Winchester

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Hope Eastleigh 2015 Highlights

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This morning, my son and I went to Eastleigh town centre and was surprised to see lots of activities at Leigh Road Recreation Ground.

We were attracted by the free drinks (and who wouldn’t?), and had some strawberry milkshake. We then explored the park and watched lots of people having fun. [Read more…] about Hope Eastleigh 2015 Highlights

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Memories of Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade: Lyn Darbyshire

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Earlier this year, I was pleased to meet Lyn Darbyshire MBE, former Scouting District Commissioner. Her insights into her involvement with The Gang Show led to my researching further into the show’s general history and Ralph Reader, the man behind the Gang Show.

Lyn also kindly shared her thoughts with me about the St. George’s Day Parade in Chandler’s Ford, which she was directly involved with for many years. [Read more…] about Memories of Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade: Lyn Darbyshire

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Review: Little Shop of Horrors by Toynbee School

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Last night I watched Toynbee School’s production of the comedy musical Little Shop of Horrors.

There are two more nights (Thursday and Friday), so grab your tickets now.

It was a highly entertaining and successful production, with lots of surprises, such as a talking and moaning gigantic plant. [Read more…] about Review: Little Shop of Horrors by Toynbee School

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