Eastleigh Borough Council

Fryern Funtasia 2025 – Drizzle, Sunshine, Stilt Walker, Steam Train, Puppet Shows … What an Amazing Event!

May 6, 2025 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Fryern Funtasia was such a great success. The weather was quite ‘unpredictable’ but the drizzle didn’t seem to bother us. The event was well organised, and the atmosphere was superb. When people said it’s a ‘community’ event and it truly was. There was something special for everyone, whatever your age. There were favourite games and crafts for children, and there were also boats and steam train for enthusiasts. There was a stilt walker who entertained and surprised the kids. Animals. Music that filled the air. Ice Cream.

The Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Dave Pragnell and the Mayoress Jean went round to meet many people. At the u3a pitch, the mayor spoke with Pam Moffat (Vice Chair) and Dave Claxton (Chair) about u3a and their role within the community. [Read more…] about Fryern Funtasia 2025 – Drizzle, Sunshine, Stilt Walker, Steam Train, Puppet Shows … What an Amazing Event!

Tags: Chameleon Theatre Group, Chandler's Ford Parish Council, Chandler’s Ford community, charity, community, days out, Eastleigh Borough Council, event, Fryern Funtasia, Fryern Recreation Ground, fundraising, local interest, Methodist Church, review, social, u3a

Who are the Mysterious Postbox Topper Ladies in Chandler’s Ford?

May 2, 2025 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Dear readers, you must have seen many intriguing postbox toppers around Chandler’s Ford. They surprise us, delight us, and make us smile. A splash of colour; a creative design; a world re-imagined. For the past few years, the remarkable ladies (with some of their ‘helpers’) from Chandler’s Ford u3a have graced our streets and quiet lanes with their creations made with love and crafted with great skills. You may even feel a bit uplifted on a mundane trip to Asda, as the topper may remind you of an upcoming special celebration or a significant historical event, or its playful, whimsical nature may take you back to your childhood.

The ladies who have brought us joy with their Postbox Toppers.

Credit: Special thanks to Sandra and Dave Claxton for providing the story and all the photographs in this article below.

Since the amazing response to our 25th Anniversary Postbox Toppers of 2023, our “Topper Ladies” have barely stopped in their endeavours producing themed Toppers for the King’s Coronation, Remembrance Week, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Summer, the Olympics and were even asked to produce a Postbox Topper to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Eastleigh Borough last May.

Eastleigh Borough Council's AGM at The Point, Eastleigh, on Monday 20th May 2024. The new Mayor Councillor David Pragnell was elected. Photo by Chris Balcombe for Eastleigh Borough Council. Chandler's Ford U3A created a postbox topper to celebrate 50 years of Eastleigh Borough Council. — Eastleigh Borough Council’s AGM at The Point, Eastleigh, on Monday 20th May 2024. The new Mayor Councillor David Pragnell was elected.
Photo by Chris Balcombe for Eastleigh Borough Council. Chandler’s Ford U3A created a postbox topper to celebrate 50 years of Eastleigh Borough Council.

Tags: celebration, Chandler’s Ford community, community, Eastleigh Borough Council, event, good neighbours, history, local interest, Methodist Church, remembering, storytelling, u3a

Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 10th November 2024

November 12, 2024 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

The service for Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford was lead by the Rev’d Duncan Hollands. Flags represented the British Legion, Scouting and Guiding.

Debbie Pearce from Debbie Pearce Photography has kindly shared unique photographs of the Remembrance Service at the Chandler’s Ford War Memorial with the community. It was held at the St. Boniface Church. Thank you Debbie.

Remembrance Sunday Service at St Boniface Church, Chandler's Ford — Remembrance Sunday, Chandler’s Ford 2024

Tags: community, culture, Eastleigh Borough Council, education, history, Hursley Road, Information Chandler’s Ford community, local interest, memory, Remembrance Sunday, St. Boniface Church, war memorial

Fryern Funtasia Chandler’s Ford 2024

May 6, 2024 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

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 –

Tags: Chandler's Ford Parish Council, Chandler’s Ford community, charity, community, days out, Eastleigh Borough Council, event, Fryern Funtasia, Fryern Recreation Ground, fundraising, local interest, Methodist Church, review, social

Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 12th November 2023

November 12, 2023 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

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.

Remembrance Sunday - at St Boniface Church — Remembrance Sunday – at St Boniface Church

Chandler's Ford War Memorial — Chandler’s Ford War Memorial

Credit: All photos Debbie Pearce Photography.

Fryern Funtasia 2023 Chandler’s Ford

May 1, 2023 By Janet Williams 4 Comments

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.

PHOTOS: Remembrance Sunday Tribute in Chandler’s Ford 2022

November 14, 2022 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Local people in Chandler’s Ford have come together to honour those who served and to remember their sacrifice. 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.

Remembrance Sunday 2022, Chandler’s Ford. Image credit: Debbie Pearce Photography

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, culture, Eastleigh Borough Council, education, history, Hursley Road, local interest, memory, Remembrance Sunday, St. Boniface Church, war memorial

Remembrance Day Service at the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford 2022

November 13, 2022 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

On Remembrance Sunday, many people gathered to remember those who have given their lives to protect our freedom.

Representatives from Scout groups across Chandler’s Ford, together with other local community groups, laid wreaths and attended a service of remembrance today at the parish church of Chandler’s Ford.

Image credit: Remembrance Sunday image 2022 4th Chandler's Ford Hiltingbury Scout Group — Image credit: Remembrance Sunday image 2022 4th Chandler’s Ford Hiltingbury Scout Group

The service was held in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and the Borough of Eastleigh. It was led by the Rev Hayley Richens and the Rev Penny Thatcher.

Remembrance Sunday - screenshot from the live stream. — Remembrance Sunday – screenshot from the live stream from the parish church.

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, culture, Eastleigh Borough Council, education, history, Hursley Road, local interest, memory, Remembrance Sunday, St. Boniface Church, war memorial

PHOTOS: Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 2021

November 14, 2021 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Remembrance Sunday falls on 14 November in 2021. The Chandler’s Ford community came together this morning to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have protected us and defended our freedoms.

Debbie Pearce from Debbie Pearce Photography kindly shares the photographs of the Remembrance Service at the Chandler’s Ford War Memorial with the Chandler’s Ford community. She captured the parade on Hursley Road and the service this morning at St. Boniface Church, Parish of Chandler’s Ford. Thank you Debbie.

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial. Remembrance Sunday 2021, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh. Image credit: Debbie Pearce Photography.

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, culture, Eastleigh Borough Council, education, history, Hursley Road, local interest, memory, Remembrance Sunday, St. Boniface Church, war memorial, World War One

Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 2021

November 14, 2021 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Today we remember and honour those who sacrificed for our freedom in Chandler’s Ford. Locally many people, young and old, observed a national two-minute silence at 11am. By 10.45am there was a large crowd at the Chandler’s Ford war memorial, at St. Boniface Church.

Representatives from local groups laid wreaths of poppies at the war memorial.

The Eastleigh Borough Council wreath was laid by John Caldwell, a previous mayor and an alderman.

You can see more photos from today’s service: PHOTOS: Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 2021

Remembrance Sunday 14.11.2021 Chandler's Ford War Memorial — Remembrance Sunday 14.11.2021 Chandler’s Ford War Memorial

Life under Lockdown

March 28, 2020 By chippy minton 2 Comments

How are we all doing with social distancing and self-isolation? It’s something that cats have been doing for years.

Here are a few tips about what’s changed in daily life. Apologies if it is reiterating what you know already, but hopefully there are a couple of new pieces of information. And there’s a quiz (nothing to do with lockdown, COVID-19 or shopping) at the end [Read more…] about Life under Lockdown

Tags: coronavirus, Eastleigh Borough Council, quiz, social distancing, theatre, transport

Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 2019

November 10, 2019 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

Many people in Chandler’s Ford marked Remembrance Sunday today by observing a two-minute silence at 11am.

Debbie Pearce from Debbie Pearce Photography captured some photographs of the parade on Hursley Road, and the service this morning at the Chandler’s Ford war memorial, at St. Boniface Church, and has kindly shared these with the Chandler’s Ford community.

Remembrance Sunday 2019, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh. Image credit: Debbie Pearce Photography — Remembrance Sunday 2019, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh. Image credit: Debbie Pearce Photography

Traditional parade on Hursley Road. Remembrance Sunday 2019, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh. Image credit: Debbie Pearce Photography — Traditional parade on Hursley Road. Remembrance Sunday 2019, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh. Image credit: Debbie Pearce Photography

Audrey Steele Received Recognition from Clementine Churchill in 1942

June 2, 2019 By Janet Williams Leave a Comment

This is a community website about Chandler’s Ford, but today we’re going to touch upon the war, knitted scarves, Clementine Churchill, and the Russians – all in this short article. So please read on.

Last week we published an article about Audrey Steele, who at the age of 90 has recently been awarded the Citizen of Honour for the Borough of Eastleigh. [Read more…] about Audrey Steele Received Recognition from Clementine Churchill in 1942

Tags: celebrations, Chandler’s Ford community, charity, church, community, Eastleigh, Eastleigh Baptist Church, Eastleigh Borough Council, fundraising, good neighbours, inspiration, local interest

Meet 90-year-old Audrey Steele – Eastleigh Citizen of Honour

May 27, 2019 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

I’m delighted to have met 90-year-old Audrey Steele recently. Audrey Steele was awarded the Citizen of Honour for the Borough of Eastleigh early this month.

Audrey has recently celebrated her 90th birthday. This award recognises the voluntary work she has done for the people in Eastleigh Borough and Brazil. [Read more…] about Meet 90-year-old Audrey Steele – Eastleigh Citizen of Honour

Tags: celebrations, Chandler’s Ford community, charity, church, community, Eastleigh, Eastleigh Baptist Church, Eastleigh Borough Council, fundraising, good neighbours, inspiration, local interest

Fryern Funtasia 6th May 2019 in Chandler’s Ford

May 7, 2019 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

Once again I spent the May Bank Holiday at Fryern Funtasia yesterday – as I did every single year in the past few years.

I really love the traditional open-space event, where I met up with a few old friends there, and soaked up some local news (or gossips) from just walking about. [Read more…] about Fryern Funtasia 6th May 2019 in Chandler’s Ford

6th May 2019 – Bank Holiday Monday – Fryern Funtasia in Chandler’s Ford

March 21, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

6th May – Bank Holiday Monday – Fryern Funtasia

From Chandler’s Ford Parish Council:

Fryern Funtasia 2019 is only just over a month away so put the date in your diary – 6th May Bank Holiday Monday. 12.00pm – 4.30pm. Take a look at the fun we had in last years video and please share with your friends. See you in May. [Read more…] about 6th May 2019 – Bank Holiday Monday – Fryern Funtasia in Chandler’s Ford

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial – In Loving Memory of William Joseph Tosdevine

November 12, 2018 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

I walked past Chandler’s Ford war memorial this morning and saw this wreath:

In loving memory of my great great grandfather

Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 2018

November 11, 2018 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

There was a rainbow in the morning and the rain stopped for the Remembrance parade and services.

At the Chandler’s Ford war memorial, a crowd of hundreds – from veterans to youth groups, families, and people of different ethnic groups – all gathered to pay their respects.

Hursley Road looked like this in 1918 (peace day celebration), and 1989. [Read more…] about Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 2018

A Letter to Our Readers: Concern about a Huge Tree Adjacent to Monk’s Brook

October 11, 2018 By SO53 News 1 Comment

By Gopinath Chandroth

There is a huge tree adjacent to Monk’s Brook. It is creaking like a heavy door on unoiled hinges. It is very close to the cycle/foot path. The nearest houses are on Fowey Close (SO53 4SQ).

There is a high likelihood that the tree may come crashing down on to the path, and because it is huge, on to the bungalows on Fowey Close. I have reported it online and hopefully it should be attended to soon. Meanwhile beware. [Read more…] about A Letter to Our Readers: Concern about a Huge Tree Adjacent to Monk’s Brook

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Eastleigh Borough Council, good neighbours

Eastleigh Remembers – Truly Memorable

September 15, 2018 By Janet Williams 2 Comments

Eastleigh is marking the 100th anniversary year of the end of the first world war today. The event pays tribute to Eastleigh’s role in the First World War.

In Eastleigh this afternoon, I visited a re-enactment of a field hospital, some vintage military vehicles, and have seen great displays by charities and businesses, such as Hampshire Scouts, One Community, Defense Medical Welfare Service, British Legion, Eastleigh and District Local History Society, Eastleigh Gurkha Nepalese Association, Royal Air Forces Association, the Rotary Club, Air Cadets, Peter Green, and local author Paul Nolan. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Remembers – Truly Memorable

Tags: community, culture, Eastleigh, Eastleigh Borough Council, entertainment, event, history, Leigh Road, music, scouting, social, The Spitfires marching band, World War One, World War Two

Eastleigh Borough Council

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6th May – Bank Holiday Monday – Fryern Funtasia

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In loving memory of my great great grandfather

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