The term ‘carol’, as generally used, includes some items that appear in hymnbooks and are sung by congregations – such as Away in a manger and Once in royal David’s city.
The term is also used sometimes for items that are not congregational hymns.
Some would not normally form part of a church service – such as We wish you a happy Christmas or Past three o’clock. [Read more…] about Christmas Carol? Christmas Hymn?
In January 2015, the Chameleon Theatre Company will kick off their 50th anniversary year with The Wizard of Oz – The Pantomime.
Director: Geoff Dodsworth
Join Dorothy and her dog Toto as she finds herself in the land of Oz. [Read more…] about Pantomime With The Chameleons: The Wizard Of Oz – January 2015
Here are a few more recollections – secular and spiritual – about the land in which Jesus lived and which is now the focus of attention for an increasing number of pilgrims.
Nearly all of them arrive at Bethlehem in coaches which park in the large central square. The name of this square? You might think it would be something like Central Square or Bethlehem Square, but it is Manger Square.
[Read more…] about Israel – Ancient And Modern (Part 2 of 4)
The December edition of The Big Issue magazine is packed with valuable articles.
This special bumper Christmas edition costs £3.
You can buy The Big Issue from the Bosnian vendor at the Fryern Arcade in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Buy The Big Issue Bumper Edition 2014
I was fortunate in meeting with my local Councillor recently (Valley Park ward, Test Valley Borough Council) and in the conversation we touched upon the thorny subject of housing development.
Apparently, there is a proposed new development up in front of the planning committee currently which effectively tacks on around 300 homes to the edge of the Knightwood Park development as it borders Castle Lane – [Read more…] about Land Off Castle Lane – North Baddesley – Proposed Housing Development
I always start to feel that Christmas is getting near when the town centre gets dark before the shops close. So what do I remember of Christmases as a child (apart from the dark high street)?
Mum was very strict on the time when decorations could go up – not before the start of the school holidays. But my sisters and I would often (at least when we were old enough) be trusted to decorate the tree. Except [Read more…] about My Favourite Childhood Christmas Memories in a Village
For me, Christmas only starts when the Christmas tree at Selwood on Bournemouth Road in Chandler’s Ford is erected.
This year, Selwood once again welcomes Christmas with a spectacular Christmas tree.
This handsome Christmas tree with a striking star not only arouses Christmas spirit, but also welcomes travellers. [Read more…] about Selwood: Spectacular Christmas Tree in Chandler’s Ford 2014
It is official! Chandler’s Ford Today has got a new ‘fan’ – Eastleigh Borough Council.
In the December edition of Chandler’s Ford & Hiltingbury News (CFH News), Chandler’s Ford Today is recommended as a website which you should bookmark. [Read more…] about How Chandler’s Ford Today Makes An Impact In Your Life
The Madding Crowd is a performing group which researches and performs the church and secular music of the English village bands and choirs in the period 1660 to 1861.
The group was founded in 1975.
The Madding Crowd’s next concert is on Friday 12th December at 8 pm in Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. [Read more…] about The Unique Madding Crowd Concerts
The Little Black Book 2014 offers an insight and point of contact for all creative residents working at The Sorting Office creative studios in Eastleigh.
The Sorting Office is a vibrant creative studio home to 16 hugely talented designer makers, including illustrators, textile artists, jewellery designers, fine artists, and ceramicists. [Read more…] about The Sorting Office Little Black Book 2014
I taught at Montgomery Of Alamein School from January 1966 till July 1988.
For several years I took the top exam classes in English Language and Literature, but I have always considered that my major role in the field of education came in another direction.
On day the headmaster, Dennis Beacham, called me into his office to discuss an important matter. [Read more…] about The Origin Of Humanities Subjects At Montgomery Of Alamein School
Christmas is Creativity.
It is found in the story of the Nativity, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and film stories like The Polar Express.
It is found in poems such as A Visit from St. Nicholas (probably better known as The Night Before Christmas) by Clement Clarke Moore and In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti. [Read more…] about What Christmas Means To Me
Until fairly recently few people from Chandler’s Ford had visited Israel, but now there are some of our parishioners who have joined groups of pilgrims and flown to the Holy Land. Some had pre-conceptions, other had eyes and minds open, ready and willing to accept anything which would strengthen their beliefs.
Here are a few of my own observations – certainly not all with a religious connection – which I hope will bring back happy memories. [Read more…] about Israel – Ancient And Modern (Part 1 of 4)
We published 45 posts in November this year.
Our posts in November centred on Remembrance, Christmas markets / fayres, and history (Montgomery of Alamein School in Winchester, the Hutments).
November we also carried stories of charitable work (Jubilee Sailing Trust, Kenya Project UK), theatre review (Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense), community news (road safety and burglaries in Chandler’s Ford), nature (woodpecker in Hiltingbury), and many more. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Today November 2014 Round-up
The “Precinct Pals” welcomed Christmas today with mulled wine and mince pies in Chandler’s Ford.
At the Central Precinct, Christmas celebration was done differently. There was no need for Santa Claus or a horse carriage.
Of course there was no need for road closure either.
Instead, the lights were delicately [Read more…] about Central Precinct: 2014 Christmas Lights Now Switched on
By Emma Golby-Kirk
In these days when the roar of motorway noise disturbs the peace of the otherwise tranquil suburb of Chandler’s Ford, it is hard to imagine the excited anticipation with which residents awaited the building of the Chandler’s Ford by-pass back in the 1960s.
In December 1967 the Otterbourne-Chandler’s Ford by-pass was opened. This six-mile stretch of dual carriageway created a fast link from Compton to Bassett. It cost [Read more…] about A Playground Of Concrete And Cranes
Tomorrow (Friday 5th December) between 4pm and 5pm, the Christmas tree lights at the Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford will be turned on.
What? A Christmas tree at the Central Precinct? Where is it?
Well, you just have to walk past the gigantic recycling bins, walk straight into the courtyard, and pass two yew trees. [Read more…] about You’re Invited: Mulled Wine & Mince Pies At Central Precinct Friday 4pm – 5pm
Yesterday I left work early to attend the carol service of Age Concern Chandler’s Ford at the Methodist Church.
Thornden School Wind Band and Toynbee School Choir, with their youthful energy, enthusiasm and talents, impressed the senior members of our community, making the carol service a much cherished event. [Read more…] about Age Concern Chandler’s Ford Carol Service 2014
This evening, Fryern Arcade was filled with Christmas spirit.
Children from The Federation of Fryern Infant and Junior Schools were singing Christmas carols at the Fryern Arcade.
Santa also turned up. Shops opened late. [Read more…] about Christmas Arrives At Fryern Arcade
Christmas isn’t too far away.
Jimmy Peters, who grows and sells Christmas trees, has once again appeared at the Fryern Arcade of Chandler’s Ford selling Christmas trees.
Jimmy Peters’ Christmas trees come from Marwell.
Last year when Jimmy sold his Christmas trees at the Fryern Arcade, he was next to the conventional D & G Hardware store. [Read more…] about Fryern Arcade: Christmas Trees and Christmas Carols
