Yesterday morning, a few of us from Chandler’s Ford Today attended the unique ribbon-less re-opening ceremony of the Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church. It was a warm and friendly place as usual, buzzing with excitement.
It was certainly a day of celebration, and also a day of reflection on the problem of loneliness in our community, and how we could all reach out to support one another. [Read more…] about Re-opening of the Dovetail Centre: to Engage and Share, and Fight Loneliness
A few weeks ago, I went to the Gift Day at the Dovetail Centre of the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. The purpose of the day was to raise fund to refurbish Dovetail Centre, one of the most popular community centres in the heart of Chandler’s Ford.
It was a happy morning. We were sitting at the delightful Dovetail Centre, chatting to old and new friends, and were all excited about the new project. [Read more…] about Refurbishment for a Modern and Contemporary Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church
In the 1980s there were no fancy coffee shops in Chandler’s Ford. It wasn’t common for supermarkets to offer you ‘free’ coffee either. Many young mothers found themselves isolated at home with young children, and elderly people were struggling to meet someone for a friendly chat.
One person saw that acute problem in Chandler’s Ford and decided to do something about it, to change for the better.
Her name is Jane Archer. She has run the Coffee Room based at the Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church on Winchester Road for 37 years. Many babies who had played at the Coffee Room have grown up to become parents themselves. [Read more…] about Jane Archer – A Simple Vision, and 37 Years Leading The Coffee Room at Dovetail Centre
I shared some news from The Central Precinct in the past before.
Today I took some photos from a few shop windows to keep you up to date with the changes in our local area. [Read more…] about Some Changes at The Central Precinct and Bournemouth Road in Chandler’s Ford
We’re at the time of year when the evenings are light enough for a short walk after work or after dinner. But where to go? Somewhere that’s not too far away, doesn’t need a map to navigate around, and is more interesting than wandering round a housing estate.
How about Fleming Park?
Fleming Park? Really?
To many people, Fleming Park is synonymous with the sports centre; it’s where you go to swim, play badminton or squash [Read more…] about A Walk in the Park
On Tuesday morning, I went to the Beacon Café at St. Boniface Church on Hursley Road for some refreshment (ok, plus more than one piece of home-made cake).
I got there just after 11am, and saw people were happily solving Christmas quizzes, which involved identifying some very old (at least to me) British TV sitcoms. From the participants’ enthusiastic discussions and laughter, I could tell they knew most of the answers while reminiscing the good old days. [Read more…] about Christmas Gathering at Beacon Café, St. Boniface Church 2016
Stairway Bakery and Coffee Shop at the Fryern Arcade in Chandler’s Ford has closed.
The notice on the window reads:
“As from the Saturday 29th of October 2016, this shop will close. We would like to thank all our loyal customers over the years for their custom and support. We wish all of you all the best for the future. [Read more…] about Closed: Stairway Bakery and Coffee Shop at Fryern Arcade
Update: 12th April 2016: The Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford has now put up a new signboard, after receiving feedback from this post below, which was first published on 26th March 2016. [Read more…] about The Central Precinct – Old and New
I popped into Beacon Café on Hursley Road on Tuesday morning and was surprised to see the Christmas Café was in full swing!
Beacon Café at St. Boniface Church (SO53 2FT) runs on the first and the third Tuesday of every month, from 10am to 12pm.
Judith Bird from the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford started Beacon Café in April this year. [Read more…] about Feeling Lonely? Welcome to Beacon Café at St. Boniface Church
A new and welcoming cafe has now opened on Hursley Road – great news for the community.
Beacon Café is a new cafe at St. Boniface Church.
Beacon Café runs on the first and the third Tuesday of every month, from 10am to 12pm. [Read more…] about Beacon Café at St. Boniface Church – You are Invited
Updated on 30th July 2017:
The Coffee Room will operate from the Purple Room from Monday 31st July until Tuesday 15th August 2017 while the Dovetail Centre is being refurbished.
The usual range of teas and coffee and biscuits will be available from 9.30 am to 12 noon Monday to Saturday. Access to the Purple Room is from the car park.
Follow the signs.
Below is the original post dated 28th Oct 2014.
My son and I visited the Coffee Room in the Dovetail Centre of the Methodist Church on Winchester Road yesterday.
I went there to buy some tickets for MDG Players’ upcoming comedy: Ladies of Iniquity.
Three things at the Coffee Room surprised me. [Read more…] about How Methodist Church Dovetail Centre Surprises Me
Update 1st Nov 2016: Closed: Stairway Bakery and Coffee Shop at Fryern Arcade
Original post (below):
The last trading day for Asante coffee shop on Winchester Road in Chandler’s Ford will be on Saturday October 18th 2014.
Asante coffee shops were set up by Paul and Shirley Barter five years ago. Another Asante coffee shop is in Romsey.
The coffee shops aim to support the charity Citizens 4 change (c4c), to help provide funds to [Read more…] about Asante Chandler’s Ford Coffee Shop Closure
The local community came together again in Chandler’s Ford to raise much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care on August Bank Holiday.
A special Sunday opening of Asante Coffee Shop saw old and new friends sharing a cuppa and a chat. [Read more…] about Marie Curie Fundraising Success At Chandler’s Ford Asante
While we were watching the St. George’s Day scout parade in Chandler’s Ford last week, we killed time between the parades by going to the posh-person’s supermarket to do a bit of shopping and have a coffee.
The shopping part of the expedition was successful. We soon found the few items that we needed. Not so the coffee part, however. [Read more…] about Table Hogging
Update 1st Nov 2016: Closed: Stairway Bakery and Coffee Shop at Fryern Arcade
Original post (below):
Before the opening of Costa Coffee (3rd May 2014) in the Fryern Arcade yesterday, there was a large sign on the outside wall of the building.
The advertisement read: [Read more…] about Fryern Arcade Old and New
I’m recording the changing faces of Chandler’s Ford. You can compare old and new signs in Chandler’s Ford in these posts: New Sign At The Central Precinct Of Chandler’s Ford and Tale Of Chandler’s Ford Vicarage.
To mark the end of 2013, I’m showing you the old and new signs of The Mall Shopping Centre in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about The Mall Shopping Centre In Chandler’s Ford
I visited The Coffee Room in Chandler’s Ford on Christmas Eve, and treated myself with a nice pot of tea and a hot mince pie.
It was a windy morning, but the coffee room was warm, and it was a great surprise to have bumped into some old friends too.
There in the Coffee Room at the Methodist Church, I saw [Read more…] about Have You Seen The Most Charming Nativity Set In Chandler’s Ford?
