Chandler's Ford Today

culture

Walking with Llamas – By Doug Clews

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Although my experiences with llamas are in Western Australia, and indeed I write from Western Australia, it is my hope that the article is of general interest, and also that it may give a retiree or two, actual or potential, an idea for a pastime in retirement. I have put links to a few ‘local’ locations towards the end of the article.

My Introduction To Llamas

I retired from full-time employment in September 2000, and, as I am not a serious gardener, our ½ acre ‘bush block’ in the Hills east of Perth, in Western Australia, requires little attention apart from a bit of pruning and leaf raking to keep it tidy, so I was left wondering what on earth I was going to do with my time … [Read more…] about Walking with Llamas – By Doug Clews

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Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Rotrax Memories; Joy of Powerboat – Part 14

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Another episode from Boats and Bikes…

Cycle Time Trials – the 1970s

I found the competitive side of cycling to be just what I wanted at that time. I needed a new angle on cycling and this was it! I managed to be moderately successful and I improved my “Personal Best” times over the distances I raced – mainly 10, 25 & 50 mile events. [Read more…] about Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Rotrax Memories; Joy of Powerboat – Part 14

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In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

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Following on from my previous Agincourt posts, I have now received further details of the Free Medieval Weekend, which will celebrate the launch of The King’s Great Ships Trail.

Where and when? At Manor Farm and Country Park on July 30 and 31, 2016. [Read more…] about In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

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Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Passions for Power Boat, Bike, and Lambretta (Part 13)

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More favourite memories including thoughts about my boats and bikes……

1964 – The year that Radio Caroline started broadcasting! [Read more…] about Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Passions for Power Boat, Bike, and Lambretta (Part 13)

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Chandler’s Ford School Days: 1970s – 1980s by Betty Brooking

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By Betty Brooking

When we lived on the Oakmount estate in the 70s, our son first went to Mrs Vincent’s nursery school at the Methodist Church Hall Fryern Hill.

He then started infant school in the annex with Mrs Moye at Kings Road School Chandler’s Ford (She always ran the sweet stall at the school’s annual fete, held at Merdon Avenue School). [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford School Days: 1970s – 1980s by Betty Brooking

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Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: the Joy of Powerboat Race and Cycling (Part 12)

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It is worth saying how different commentating on powerboat racing was then to how it is nowadays.

As the boat [competitor] of a personality raced past, the commentator would show a degree of deference. [Read more…] about Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: the Joy of Powerboat Race and Cycling (Part 12)

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Mission Impossible Accomplished

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I have a note in my diary for Thursday 5th May 2016 indicating that is Ascension Day.

This day easily goes without noticing, in fact many diaries don’t even recall it. It’s not one of those major events in the Christian calendar like Christmas or Easter, however it is worth just considering what this day signifies.

Let’s just go back a couple of thousand years. [Read more…] about Mission Impossible Accomplished

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Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016

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This post is about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade last Sunday (24th April 2016).

The parade was led by “The Spitfires” – the brilliant 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016

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Watching the Detectives

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I had the great joy last week of going to see An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley with a friend at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.

My friend had seen the film which was why she was keen to see the play version. I love detective fiction and thought seeing one in a play format would be interesting. I was right – it was!
[Read more…] about Watching the Detectives

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History: News from Agincourt

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Given I love history, it was a pleasure to write about the Road to Agincourt project, including the bringing to life via a play of Sir Bevis of Hampton, the legend associated with Southampton. 

This post brings news of a new woodland trail, a medieval weekend festival, and interactive wearable map which tie in with the Agincourt project. [Read more…] about History: News from Agincourt

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Easter 2016: Family and Chocolate

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Last year I shared my Easter with you. I’m going to share my day with you again.

I’m having a nasty cold so it was a struggle in the morning. I missed the church today, but my neighbours later told me the Parish church was packed.

Who said Christianity is on the wane? I never believe it.

At Chandler’s ford Methodist Church, the Easter breakfast was prepared by the men this morning. [Read more…] about Easter 2016: Family and Chocolate

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My Belgium History Trip – Ypres and Chocolate

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Last weekend I got back from a school trip to Ypres in Belgium. It was a very tiring two days but it was well worth it to explore a different country and culture.

I was there for a history trip to look at the history of Ypres and its importance in WWI. It was a very insightful trip into how the war’s legacy has affected the country.

The first trip was to [Read more…] about My Belgium History Trip – Ypres and Chocolate

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Hiltingbury Post Office (and GoldDust)

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It’s rather unusual that you walk into a post office to buy curry ingredients.

But in Chandler’s Ford you can just do that.

The post office on Ashdown Road in Hiltingbury sells stamps, envelops, cards, soaps and scarves.

It also sells GoldDust Masala Blend. [Read more…] about Hiltingbury Post Office (and GoldDust)

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Easter Message 2016

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You know what it’s like, a bank holiday weekend’s coming up, so how are you going to amuse yourself?

Are you into conspiracy theories?

Maybe you like a thriller, action, international intrigue, even a little of the supernatural.

Easter has it all! [Read more…] about Easter Message 2016

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As You Like It… and I Did!

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I had the great joy of going to see As You Like It on Thursday, 25th February 2016 at Thornden Hall.

Having experienced the wonders of Shakespeare’s best known tragedy, Hamlet, late in 2015, I was curious to find out how I was going to get on with one of the Bard of Avon’s comedies. [Read more…] about As You Like It… and I Did!

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Easter at the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford

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The Passion of Christ: Sunday 20 March (Palm Sunday) 2016 at 6.30pm – a selection of readings, hymns, and anthems sung by St. Boniface Choir.

Easter Praise: Sunday 27 March (Easter Day) 2016 at 6.30pm – readings, hymns and an anthem for Easter Sunday evening. [Read more…] about Easter at the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford

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Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Spitfire

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Tomorrow the air will be filled with pride and excitement. March 5th 2016 marks the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire.

The Supermarine Spitfire prototype Spitfire K5054 first took to the skies in 1936 from Southampton Airport.

Want to know where you could see the Spitfire 80th anniversary flight on Saturday? Read on. [Read more…] about Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Spitfire

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Producing a Local Legend: Sir Bevis of Hampton

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I love history. Always have done. Always will do. I suppose this is because history is another form of storytelling. It tells the story of where we come from.

I believe there is a great deal of truth in the saying that a nation which forgets its history is destined to relive it.

Stories can be told in many ways to reach differing audiences and this is true for history too.  I’ve recently heard of a new comic book (Blood and Valour) and play (The Legends of Sir Bevis) about local mythical medieval hero, Sir Bevis of Hampton. [Read more…] about Producing a Local Legend: Sir Bevis of Hampton

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National Theatre Live in Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh Areas

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In recent months it has been a great joy to watch three National Theatre Live productions at Thornden Hall – The Importance of Being Earnest with David Suchet as Lady Bracknell, Hamlet with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role, and Shakespeare’s glorious comedy As You Like It, which we just watched last night.

I’m glad to report there is not one but three nearby venues in Eastleigh borough which show National Theatre Live productions – Thornden Hall, The Point, Eastleigh and, a little further out at Hedge End, The Berry Theatre. [Read more…] about National Theatre Live in Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh Areas

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