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Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 45th Christmas Market 2018

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As the government is in Brexit turmoil (‘near Civil War’, according to the BBC), we’re bringing you some stability here from Chandler’s Ford for a change.

The annual Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Christmas Market brings the sort of stability, unity, and friendship that we all need at times of crisis. Last weekend I went to the market, as I had done so for many years, and felt warmth, joy, and a genuine sense of hope for the future. [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 45th Christmas Market 2018

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Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market and Other Local Events – from October 2018

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Don’t forget the renowned Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market is back on Saturday, the 6th of October, from 10am to 1pm.

It’ll be held at the Age Concern Hall, on Brownhill Road. Thanks to Steve Allen for running the market since 2015, supporting local people and local small businesses.

[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market and Other Local Events – from October 2018

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Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market and Other Local Events

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The Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market is back!

Saturday 8th September from 10am to 1pm, at the Age Concern Hall, on Brownhill Road.
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MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review

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I went to the Dovetail Centre on 19th April to see Five Go Mad for Shakespeare. Being fond of the Famous Five stories by Enid Blyton and, much later on, the Bard of Avon, this was a production which had my name on it in a manner of speaking. This is my take on the show following on from Ben Williams’ excellent summary. [Read more…] about MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review

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Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players

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The latest comedy from MDG Players from Chandler’s Ford, and the Romsey Players combines two very British writers – William Shakespeare and Enid Blyton. Shakespeare’s works are updated and refreshed for a modern age and hilarity ensues. Want to know what happens if Theresa May decided to quote Henry V? How about if Romeo and Juliet took place in rival retirement homes? [Read more…] about Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players

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Dovetail Art Project with Revd David Hollingsworth

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A while back, the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church was busy collecting signatures of people in the Church and its community. Visitors to carol services, customers in the Dovetail Café, and all the groups who use the premises were being invited to sign in charcoal or chalk on special paper.

These names have now been turned into a work of art by an artist, Rev David Hollingsworth, who is skilled at community works of art. [Read more…] about Dovetail Art Project with Revd David Hollingsworth

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Congratulations! It’s a BEM for Caroline Husain from Chandler’s Ford

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Congratulations to Caroline Husain from Chandler’s Ford, who has been named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2018.

Caroline has been recognised for decades of ‘services to charity and the community in Chandlers Ford’ with a BEM  (The British Empire Medal).  [Read more…] about Congratulations! It’s a BEM for Caroline Husain from Chandler’s Ford

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Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 44th Christmas Market 2017

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Once a year I go to the Joint Charities Annual Christmas Market in Chandler’s Ford to buy a few Christmas cards (I don’t have that many friends to send cards to) and use it as a chance to catch up with friends, and also have my coffee morning with friends at the Dovetail Centre Café. [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 44th Christmas Market 2017

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Re-opening of the Dovetail Centre: to Engage and Share, and Fight Loneliness

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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

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September and October Events in Chandler’s Ford

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There are many great local events in the coming weeks in Chandler’s Ford. Here are the highlights of some of them.

For more events in the Chandler’s Ford community, visit Upcoming Events Chandler’s Ford page. [Read more…] about September and October Events in Chandler’s Ford

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Transformation: Dovetail Centre and Dovetail Centre Café

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In the past few weeks I met some friends at the newly refurbished Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church a few times.

The place is bright, spacious, modern, and welcoming. It’s accessible to all, and I particularly like the much improved lighting. (I felt a bit dazzled at the beginning as I was sensitive to light due to short-sightedness, but soon got used to it.)

[Read more…] about Transformation: Dovetail Centre and Dovetail Centre Café

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Refurbishment for a Modern and Contemporary Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church

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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

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Jane Archer – A Simple Vision, and 37 Years Leading The Coffee Room at Dovetail Centre

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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

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The Arcade Youth Theatre: Peter Pan by J.M Barrie; 28th – 29th July 2017

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Following the astounding success of The Arcade Youth Theatre’s first production, ‘Alice’ by Laura Wade, last year, which raised over £800 for the company, they will be taking to the stage again in the classic children’s tale, ‘Peter Pan’ by J.M Barrie.

With breathtaking flying sequences, intense fight scenes, and dazzling light dances, this show is stepping up to be their best yet! All of the creative direction has come from a collaboration with the cast, design crew and their 17 year old director and founder, Lewis Pickles. [Read more…] about The Arcade Youth Theatre: Peter Pan by J.M Barrie; 28th – 29th July 2017

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Great Resources and Information for Seniors

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Last Thursday (the election day), I attended a rather special event in Chandler’s Ford called “Seniors’ Information and Wellbeing Day”, organised by Home Instead Central Hampshire, a private care service company.

There were 14 exhibitors and a variety of talks during the event, which took place at the Dovetail Centre in Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. [Read more…] about Great Resources and Information for Seniors

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How Do You Celebrate Christmas? My Christmas in Chandler’s Ford

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In the past few days I have been walking up and down a few roads (Hursley Road, Winchester Road, Hiltingbury Road, Brownhill Road…), and have noticed quite a few inflatable snowman, reindeer, an amusing upside-down Santa near the chimney, and quite a lot of flashing lights in the walls in our neighbourhood.

For those who are cynical about the trend of Christmas festive decorations, or if you are worry about your road / street has become ‘common’, please just remember that festive decoration is fun. People are happy; their kids are happy; their grandchildren are happy. So, just chillax. [Read more…] about How Do You Celebrate Christmas? My Christmas in Chandler’s Ford

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Review: Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market Chandler’s Ford 2016

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This morning I went to the Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.

I love this annual tradition – as it kicks off my internal clock for Christmas. It reminds me that I need to start pick up a pen, write a few Christmas cards (while adding names or crossing names off my Christmas card list as well).

This morning, former Eastleigh Mayor Councillor Jane Welsh opened the 43rd Christmas Market. [Read more…] about Review: Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market Chandler’s Ford 2016

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Joint Charities 43rd Christmas Market: Saturday 12th November 2016 at Methodist Church Hall

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The Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market will be on Saturday 12th November 2016, from 9.30 am – 12 noon at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church Hall (Winchester Road SO53 2GJ).

The Joint Charities Christmas Market is an annual tradition in Chandler’s Ford.

The past Eastleigh Mayor will open it officially at 9.45 am. There will be 12 charity stalls, each selling their own Christmas cards and other goods. There’ll also be a cake stall and raffle. [Read more…] about Joint Charities 43rd Christmas Market: Saturday 12th November 2016 at Methodist Church Hall

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Remembrance and Thanksgiving

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November is a month of remembrance.

Remembrance services will be taking place throughout the Borough of Eastleigh on Sunday 13 November 2016.

The Royal British Legion calls on the nation to unite in commemorating Remembrance Sunday at the 2016 Cenotaph Service and Parade in Whitehall on 13 November.
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The Writing Life – Barbara Large, Part 2

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This is Part 2 of my interview with Barbara Large, MBE, founder of the Winchester Writing Conference as it was known.  Now known as the Winchester Writers’ Festival, it is recognised as one of the major writing events of the year.

Despite stepping down from running the conference in 2013, Barbara is as busy as ever running workshops, leading tours around the CPI production plant at Chippenham for those interested in self-publishing and having her own creative writing consultancy – Creative Words Matter. [Read more…] about The Writing Life – Barbara Large, Part 2

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