Here are a few upcoming local events:
Chandler’s Ford community produce and craft indoor market – Saturday 5th October on Brownhill Road (next to Co-op), Fryern Arcade.
Chandler’s Ford Likely Lads Club [Read more…] about Local Events
Local Events
community
Election Hustings – Meet the Candidates for Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh – Sunday June 23rd
As we are all aware, the parliamentary constituency of Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh is newly re-organised and most electors have had little opportunity to see their candidates in person.
In Chandler’s Ford, all potential electors are invited to a special event to see and hear from the parliamentary candidates for Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh.
Date and Time: Sunday, June 23rd, 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM)
Location: Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, Winchester Road, SO53 2GJ
Organised by Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford and Chaired by Bishop Geoff Annas, Acting Bishop of Southampton, the meeting is open to all electors in Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh, of all faiths or none.
Please come and support this and hear from the candidates to help inform your vote, for an evening of discussion and engagement.
Remember to arrive early to secure your seat.
Submit Your Questions
The Role of Chandler’s Ford in the Run-up to D-Day
Writer: Christine Clark
Photos: All crochets by Chandler’s Ford u3a.
On 6 June 1944, the long-awaited Allied landing in northern France began. Facing Hitler’s Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications, soldiers of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and other Allied nations landed on beaches in Normandy, beginning a campaign which lasted until 24 July 1944.
Hitler and his generals had been expecting an invasion that year. However, the successful Operation Bodyguard, a military deception strategy, misled the Axis powers into believing that the invasion would be later in the year and further north-east, nearer to Calais. Instead, the Allied war planners had selected a 50-mile stretch of coastline in Normandy on five beaches codenamed Utah, Omega, Gold, Juno and Sword.
A key part of the strategy of Operation Bodyguard was to hide the amount of troop buildup in southern England. Approximately 160,000 Allied soldiers had to be mustered, fed, watered and moved to their embarkation points without it being obvious to the Axis powers’ intelligence.
These muster points, or marshalling areas, spread right across the south coast of England. In our area, Marshalling Area C was central south Hampshire and included Southampton, Botley, Winchester, Chandler’s Ford, Hursley, Ampfield and Romsey. The closest embarkation point was Southampton docks, although there were others in the New Forest and Gosport. [Read more…] about The Role of Chandler’s Ford in the Run-up to D-Day
Fryern Funtasia Chandler’s Ford 2024
Once again Fryern Funtasia was held during the May Bank Holiday Monday, at Fryern Recreation Ground. Did you have a good time? Yes we did despite the rain.
You can imagine the organisation of this event was a mammoth task and it was so wonderful to see so many people and animals, and so many stalls, games, and activities.
Some children sang some songs about the ‘sunshine’ and don’t we love these children from Fryern schools?
Thanks to Chandler’s Ford Parish Council and Event sponsors – TMT Legal Services are supporting this year’s event, along with
National Lottery Community Fund,
Infinity Playgrounds,
Dripool Ltd,
Vitaplay
and A&A.
(Source – Chandler’s Ford Parish Council)
Below are some photos taken before the rain. Let’s start with some animals –
Thanks to Chandler’s Ford u3a sharing Easter joy
There are several lovely knitted postbox toppers in Chandler’s Ford. Thank you Chandler’s Ford u3a once again for sharing your creativity in the community.
[Read more…] about Thanks to Chandler’s Ford u3a sharing Easter joy
The Treasure of Easter! By Canon Paul Hardingham
Author: Canon Paul Hardingham
It’s amazing what treasure can be unearthed with metal detectors! In this season of Easter, let’s rediscover the greatest unburied treasure of the Resurrection.
The Apostle Peter reminds us that God ‘has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.’ (1 Peter 1: 3,4). What does he say about this treasure?
[Read more…] about The Treasure of Easter! By Canon Paul Hardingham
Star of Wonder
We read in Matthew’s Gospel that the magi observed the star at the nativity ‘at its rising’. Knowing this to be a sign fulfilling a prophecy of a Messiah’s birth, they followed it to Bethlehem. But what was this star? The last 2000 years has given us a feast of knowledge based on solid research, so that we are now in a position to unwrap the story of this wonderful and significant sign.
The most likely interpretation seems to be that this was a supernova [Read more…] about Star of Wonder
Christmas Message by Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford – 2023
‘Opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts…’ (Matthew 2:11)
I wonder what sort of gift-giver you are? Do you have creative ideas, effortlessly putting together fun, interesting and unique Christmas presents for your loved ones? Maybe you reflect on each person on your list and come up with perfectly personalised gifts? Perhaps you’re on the other end of the spectrum and pick up random items, in blind panic, on Christmas Eve? Most people are probably somewhere in the middle, working their way through a list of names and doing their best to find a meaningful gift.
As I have been re-reading the Christmas story this year the above words from the bible have stuck in my mind. They come from the story of the wise men who found the baby Jesus at the end of their journey. Filled with joy they bowed down, paid homage and opened their treasure-chests, and offered him gifts… The wise men lived in turbulent times and were overwhelmed with joy in finding the new king who would rule with God’s justice and bring peace.
[Read more…] about Christmas Message by Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford – 2023
Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church – an Out of the Ordinary Christmas
Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church has many events on – craft, puppet show, Christmas concerts and Christmas services, and many more.
From Monday to Saturday morning, the Dovetail Centre Café is open to all. It’s where you enjoy a nice cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee and breakfast, and you’ll find many lovely, friendly faces there. This is a place of friendship, kindness, and warmth. No one should feel lonely in the community.
[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church – an Out of the Ordinary Christmas
The Posada Journey
“Mary and Joseph played with my Barbie dolls. But they didn’t have Santa hats to wear.” Alys, aged six, and her brother Jamie, three, were just two of the children who took part in the local Posada journey here in Chandler’s Ford. This annual event is become increasingly common in the weeks of Advent, as we prepare for Christmas.
The journey involves the nativity figures of Mary and Joseph, who will later adorn the crib in church during the Christmas season. The idea is that they make their way around the area, staying in people’s homes, usually for one night, before they move – or are moved – on. Families and individuals sign up for a roster so that the holy couple is passed from home to home each day. [Read more…] about The Posada Journey
70 Years of Selwood Christmas Tree in Chandler’s Ford
When is Christmas coming? In Chandler’s Ford, it’s when the Selwood Christmas tree is up.
The Selwood Christmas tree has been lighting up Chandler’s Ford since 1953. It’s been 70 years. Thank you Selwood for doing this every year, and keeping this wonderful tradition alive for the joy of the local community. [Read more…] about 70 Years of Selwood Christmas Tree in Chandler’s Ford
Chandler’s Ford Local Events
Sharing with the community several local events and support groups.
The Fusion Choir 29.11.2023 at Dovetail Centre
Scratch (charity) Christmas Toys Collection
Chandler’s Ford Community Market on Saturday 09.12.2023 at Brownhill Centre
Show Off at Christmas 25.11.2023 at Dovetail Centre
Otterbourne Choir Club Love Actuallly 10.12.2023
Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society (EOMS) Musical Winter Wonderland
The Sleeping Beauty Chameleon Theatre Company at Ritchie Memorial Hall 20-27 Jan 2024
Wessex Cancer Trust
Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support
Chandler’s Ford u3a
For more events, see the events page.
Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 12th November 2023
The service for Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford was lead by Rev Penny Thatcher. The Mayor’s representative was Counceller Bruce Tennent.
Debbie Pearce from Debbie Pearce Photography has kindly shared some photographs of the Remembrance Service at the Chandler’s Ford War Memorial with the community. She has captured pictures of the parade on Hursley Road and the service at St. Boniface Church. Thank you Debbie.
Credit: All photos Debbie Pearce Photography.
Chandler’s Ford Christmas Charities Market – Methodist Church Saturday 11th November
Chandler’s Ford Christmas Charities Market will be held in the Methodist Church Linkway on Saturday 11th November from 10 am to 12 noon, on Winchester Road. Please come along and support these charity stalls, each selling their own Christmas cards and other goods.
Chandler’s Ford Community Produce & Craft Market – Saturday 4th November 2023
Chandler’s Ford Community Produce & Craft Market is back.
This Saturday – 4th November 2023 10am to 1 pm
At the Brownhill Community Centre (Age Concern Hall) behind the Co-op, Fryern Arcade
Free entry.
Local handmade crafts
Preserves, local honey, chutneys, jams and marmalades
Dog accessories
Cards
Jewellery
Flowers
Knitted goods
Local Authors…
Come and buy early Christmas presents made by fantastic people.
[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Community Produce & Craft Market – Saturday 4th November 2023
Chandler’s Ford Community Produce & Craft Market – Saturday 7th October 2023
Chandler’s Ford Community Produce & Craft Market is back.
Saturday 7th October 2023 10am to 1 pm
At the Brownhill Community Centre (Age Concern Hall) behind the Co-op, Fryern Arcade
Free entry.
Come and drop in and see your local crafters and producers.
Winchester Mass Cycle 2023
Prologue
Last weekend (30th September) saw the seventh annual Mass Cycle in Winchester. It was organised by Cycle Winchester, a community group that campaigns to make Winchester better by bike. And, let’s be honest, Winchester is currently not particularly cycle-friendly.
This was most definitely NOT a protest demonstration. There was no laying down of bikes to block the roads; there was no padlocking of cyclists to bollards. The purposes were to promote the joy of cycling, to provide a safe opportunity for less-proficient cyclists to brave the centre of Winchester, and to show the city and county councils how many people might switch to bicycles if only the infrastructure were there. [Read more…] about Winchester Mass Cycle 2023
Hampshire Open Studios 2023
Hampshire Open Studios have started, running from 19th – 28th August this year. It is an annual art trail where the visiting public can meet artists in their homes, studios and galleries free of charge. There are over 250 venues open, in the ten days leading up to bank holiday Monday August. You can get the opportunity to meet the makers direct and learn more about the work.
There are a wide variety of venues to see along with every type of art and craft on offer in the region, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, furniture, jewellery and many more.
In Chandler’s Ford, there are several open studios, incuding members from CHANDLERS FORD ART GROUP (CFAG) holding an event in the larger meeting room by the Dovetail Cafe, at the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.
From Saturday 19 Aug – Monday 28 Aug – 10am-4pm Daily
Winchester United Nations
At 4.30 am on a Sunday, as the sky was lightening, an ambulance with me on board rocked and bumped from our house en route to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester. A sudden fever and collapse caused Madam some alarm, and fortunately for me, her 999 call brought the ambulance within 30 minutes.
‘We’ve got to strap you in, by law,’ explained the ex-soldier paramedic. No need, I thought. But the potholes and ambulance suspension showed it was necessary.
The RHCH was quiet at dawn on a Sunday, and I was soon in a bed.
‘What’s been happening to you?’ asked Dr Hemeda as he looked me over. I asked him where he qualified. ‘Ein Shams, Cairo. We’ll get you x-rayed.’ We chatted about Ein Shams, as I have lectured there a few times. It is the oldest of Cairo’s Universities and the Centre for Muslim Studies. On my first visit there, I took a bottle of Whisky for my host but thought better of it and kept it in my bag. [Read more…] about Winchester United Nations
Fryern Funtasia 2023 Chandler’s Ford
Have you been to Fryern Funtasia today? I hope you have enjoyed this event. This morning I went to Fryern Recreation Ground for a quick visit and this place has brought back some very fond memories. I used to go there with some of my friends and our children, but now our children have left home and my friends were elsewhere, so it did feel quite different and I even felt a tiny bit meloncholic. However it was wonderful to see some friendly faces, beutiful owls, really fluffy dogs, and lots of happy children. It was very lovely to see many local groups such as Scouts, Girlguiding, Boys’ Brigade, Lions Club, Stroke support group, Churches Together….. local businesses such as Peter Green and Gair Gas and many others.
