It was Christmas Eve 1944; my sister and I had been packed off to bed with the warning common to all children that if we were not good Father Christmas would not visit. I remember how dark it was in the house with the blackout curtains.
Our house, in Sheffield, had a special role to play in World War II. We had a telephone. [Read more…] about Christmas 70 Years Ago
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)
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
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 can all enjoy Christmas. It is not necessary to focus on baby Jesus and the traditional story of shepherds and three wise men.
Last Christmas was spent in Sri Lanka, a country with only 10% Christians but where the Buddhists (70%), Hindu and Muslim all joined in the celebrations.
We had to dress as Santa and his helper [Read more…] about What Does Christmas Mean For Non-Christians?
On one of my educational cruises we had three or four PE students with us to help conduct deck games when we were at sea.
On this day we were sitting in the shade enjoying a cold drink after visiting the pyramids: beside me one of the students a young lad of about nineteen, starting speaking. He didn’t realise he was expressing his thoughts aloud and his voice was filled with awe. [Read more…] about Travel Journal: Whereto next?
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
Whilst visiting London on business a few weeks ago I made the time to wander down to the Tower of London to have a look at the poppy artwork installation, which has received quite a bit of positive commentary.
My visit was at the end of October so the artwork wasn’t complete but a substantial portion of it was done as you may see from the few pictures that I took. [Read more…] about The Poppies At The Tower Of London
Chapel Sessions is a community led, not for profit occasional music series in the acoustically acclaimed Victorian Chapel in Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley, on the shores of Southampton Water.
You can enjoy a pre-Christmas party night with six-piece blues rock band The Burns Unit, on Friday 28th November.
[Read more…] about Chapel Sessions & Royal Victoria Hospital
After Nick John’s post about the Hutments I made enquiries from a friend, Robbie Sprague, who was born and bred in Chandler’s Ford. He wrote to me as follows:
As Remembrance Sunday services were held around the UK today, this morning, people of Chandler’s Ford gathered to honour the fallen in the two World Wars and other conflicts.
People of Chandler’s Ford gathered at the Chandler’s Ford War Memorial outside the parish church – St. Boniface Church, where a poignant service was held. [Read more…] about Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford: 9 November 2014
My son and I visited Eastleigh Museum during the half term holiday.
We saw a WW1 exhibition called Soldiers’ Journey. It is a multi-venue exhibition that portrays Hampshire’s critical role throughout the First World War.
I was attracted by beautiful buntings, which adorned the walls on the walkway to the hall.
[Read more…] about Eastleigh Bunting & Eastleigh Museum WW1 Poetry Evening
We watched Frankenstein – National Theatre Live at Thornden Hall last night.
Frankenstein featured Benedict Cumberbatch as the ‘creature’ and Jonny Lee Miller as Victor Frankenstein.
The performance was powerful and thought-provoking. Benedict Cumberbatch wore a loincloth at the start of the emotionally charged show. [Read more…] about Frankenstein – National Theatre Live At Thornden Hall
It’s Halloween! If you were any normal person my age, you will probably be counting down the hours until trick-or-treating. But, seeing how I’m the self-appointed “Scrooge of Halloween”, I’m not.
In fact I already expressed my reasons why I don’t like Halloween last year. [Read more…] about Halloween: Why Do People Like Being Scared?
I wonder if I could throw this topic out there in the hope that those people who have lived (or whose families have lived) in the Chandler’s Ford area for more than half a century may be able to contribute.
I was born in the 1950’s and my parents were at the time living in a development called The Hutments. [Read more…] about Do You Remember The Hutments?
I am no expert on WW1 and am therefore not in a position to provide a detailed account of the Gallipoli Campaign.
As I understand it, the idea had been to create a new front, as the war on the Western Front had become a stalemate, with troops from both sides staring at each other from a line of trenches which stretched from the English Channel to the Swiss border. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research: Part 5
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
The re-dedication service for the recently renovated Chandler’s Ford War Memorial took place this afternoon (Sunday 19th October at 3pm) outside St. Boniface Church at the War Memorial.
It was a moving service. Every name of the fallen who were commemorated on the Chandler’s Ford War Memorial was read out. [Read more…] about Re-dedication of Chandler’s Ford War Memorial
From the website of the Parish Church:
“There will be a short ecumenical re-dedication service for the recently renovated Chandler’s Ford War Memorial on Sunday 19th October at 3.00pm. All welcome. ” (Parish of Chandler’s Ford)
I walked past Chandler’s Ford War Memorial [Read more…] about Re-dedication Service For Chandler’s Ford War Memorial
