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Eastleigh

Mr Kipling – Exceedingly Good Memories

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Channel 5 has recently shown the “Secrets of the Mr Kipling Factory” programme. This has triggered many people’s memories, especially those who used to work at Manor Bakeries in Eastleigh.

Our reader Jill Mayes shared her memories of Mr Kipling with us:

Watching Mr Kipling cakes. Both my parents, myself and lots of friends worked for them at Manor Bakeries at some time or other in Eastleigh. I worked off of cupcake alley and they even made my wedding cake. The test bakery cakes were lovely. My mum got a free box of cakes every Christmas until she died. 🧁🍰 exceedingly good memories.

Manor Bakeries in Eastleigh. Image credit: Eastleigh and District Local History Society
Manor Bakeries in Eastleigh. Image credit: Eastleigh and District Local History Society
Mr Kipling memories
Mr Kipling memories

[Read more…] about Mr Kipling – Exceedingly Good Memories

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M3 to get Smart

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Work will soon begin to upgrade the M3 between Junctions 9 and 14 (Winchester to Eastleigh) to a Smart motorway.  Site clearance and preparation works will start in the winter, with main construction scheduled from later in 2020 until 2022.  When complete, the upgraded motorway will neatly dovetail between the new Smart M27 and the proposed improved junction layout at Winnall.  Does this sound like a coordinated plan of road improvement schemes?  I think it does.

A Smart motorway is a motorway with an extra lane instead of the hard-shoulder.  A host of electronic gismos allow Highways England to monitor traffic flows, respond to incidents, and generally keep the traffic moving. [Read more…] about M3 to get Smart

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Audrey Steele Received Recognition from Clementine Churchill in 1942

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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.

Eastleigh Borough Council recognised Audrey’s excellent community work, and her contribution for the people in Eastleigh Borough and Brazil.

Audrey Steele, Eastleigh Citizen of Honour
Audrey Steele, Eastleigh Citizen of Honour

Today I met Audrey again, and she showed me a handwritten letter sent to her in June 1942 by Clementine Churchill, the wife of Winston Churchill, a cross-bench life peeress in her own right. Clementine Churchill was described as “a keen promoter of social and humanitarian causes” in this National Trust article by Eamonn Gearon.

Why did Clementine Churchill send Audrey Steele this ‘thank you’ letter? The letter was dated June 1942, sent from 10 Downing Street, Whitehall.

Audrey told me during the war she knitted scarves and mittens for the North Sea convoy.

Here is the 2-page A5 sized letter from Clementine Churchill:

Handwritten letter from Clementine Churchill to Audrey Steele in June 1942. Part 1.
Handwritten letter from Clementine Churchill to Audrey Steele in June 1942. Part 1.

[Read more…] about Audrey Steele Received Recognition from Clementine Churchill in 1942

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

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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.

Audrey Steele, Eastleigh Citizen of Honour
Audrey Steele, Eastleigh Citizen of Honour. Image credit: Eastleigh Borough Council.

Eastleigh Borough Council recognised the excellent community work of two local residents, Sri Kandiah and Audrey Steele. The Council conferred them with a Citizen of Honour award at the annual Mayor making meeting on the 9th of May this year. [Read more…] about Meet 90-year-old Audrey Steele – Eastleigh Citizen of Honour

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Eastleigh Mayor Attended the Fairtrade Fashion Show in Chandler’s Ford – 17 May 2019

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The Fairtrade Fashion Show took place last night (Friday 17th May 2019) at the St Martin in the Wood church in Hiltingbury.

Tricia Urquhart, with Heather Dibb and their local network have organised the Fairtrade Fashion Show in recent years. These events have been so successful, and they bring people together. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Mayor Attended the Fairtrade Fashion Show in Chandler’s Ford – 17 May 2019

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An Ordinary life – Iris’ Incredible Freezer Books

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About two weeks ago, I noticed this posting on a Facebook page called Chandler’s Ford Neighbours:

“Having a big clear out and I’ve found my Nan’s old freezer book! The first entry was July 1973 and the last was Feb 2006!

She kept her freezer so organised!

It’s fascinating looking at the prices of things over the years!” [Read more…] about An Ordinary life – Iris’ Incredible Freezer Books

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Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 28th April 2019

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The annual St George’s Day parade took place yesterday in Chandler’s Ford. We have brilliant images from the parade yesterday (28th April 2019) in Chandler’s Ford. These photographs were taken by Richard Doyle. Thank you, Richard.

The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (The Spitfires), in perfect step, marched on Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 28th April 2019

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Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)

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The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”) once again led three St George’s Day Parades today: 10:00 in Eastleigh, 12:45 in Winchester, and 14:30 in Chandler’s Ford.

Chandler’s Ford Today has received stunning photographs of today’s parade in Chandler’s Ford from two photographers. Today we’re sharing some photographs taken by Debbie, from Debbie Pearce Photography. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)

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The Spitfires: What’s Your Favourite Part of Christmas?

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Our wonderful friends from the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”) have created this lovely video for all of us.

They ask, “What’s your favourite part of Christmas?”

This is a beautifully created video. I hope you all enjoy it. Merry Christmas, everyone! [Read more…] about The Spitfires: What’s Your Favourite Part of Christmas?

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Sailing into Christmas with the Jubilee Sailing

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Christmas is a busy time of year for most charities and the Jubilee Sailing trust (JST) is no exception.

Having enjoyed a lovely day at the Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities Christmas Market, we also attended the Romsey Christmas Market and most recently the Winchester Christmas Market in the stunning setting of Cathedral Close. [Read more…] about Sailing into Christmas with the Jubilee Sailing

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Rotary Club of Eastleigh – Santa’s Route in Chandler’s Ford – Monday 17th December 2018

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By Rotary Club of Eastleigh

A lot of people are asking about the route Santa is taking in Chandler’s Ford Monday 17th Dec 2018 around Scantabout. It depends a little bit on the weather and how busy he is.

He starts at 6pm from the King Rufus, down Peverells Wood Ave, Porteous Cres, Constantine Ave, Sarum Rd, Peverells Rd, Vesta Way, Corinthian Rd, Scantabout Ave – if there is time Scantabout Ave, Pantheon Rd, Scaracens Rd, Scantabout Ave, finish at junction with Alexandra Rd. [Read more…] about Rotary Club of Eastleigh – Santa’s Route in Chandler’s Ford – Monday 17th December 2018

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Review: Fairtrade Evening in Chandler’s Ford 2018

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I felt privileged to help with the fantastic Fairtrade evening at St Martin’s on 2 November.

Items for sale included crafts from Leprosy Mission, Eastleigh’s Shop Equality (my husband couldn’t resist buying a baby wooden duck to go with his collection), fairly traded clothing from Nomad, beautiful jewellery made high in the hills in Guatemala and a huge Traidcraft stall. [Read more…] about Review: Fairtrade Evening in Chandler’s Ford 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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Review – The Vicar of Dibley by Bishopstoke Players

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Review by Diane Allen.

We really enjoyed Vicar of Dibley last Friday, performed by Bishopstoke Players. The production was really good. The cast (and choir) were excellent. In particular the actress playing Alice Tinker (Jennifer Pike) was superb. She had her accent and mannerisms down to a tee. [Read more…] about Review – The Vicar of Dibley by Bishopstoke Players

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Little Free Library on Desborough Road in Eastleigh

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Summer seems to have gone. According to the BBC, there’ll be rain for many parts tonight, torrential in places. Squally winds in the south. UK flood warnings have been issued.

This morning, however, I saw something heartwarming on my way to work.

Walking past Desborough Road in Eastleigh this morning, I stopped at a house, which has a mini free library in the front garden. [Read more…] about Little Free Library on Desborough Road in Eastleigh

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Eastleigh Remembers – Truly Memorable

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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

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Eastleigh Works Reunion: Friday 10th August 2018

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Do you know any former Eastleigh Works workers in the area? There is a reunion for them and they are all welcome to attend.

Here is an article by Steve Allen about the reunion: the reunion will be on Friday 10th August 2018 at the Eastleigh Railway Institute. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Works Reunion: Friday 10th August 2018

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Last Local Plan Consultation Drop-in Session: Fryern Pavilion: Monday 30 July from 4pm – 7pm

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From Eastleigh Borough Council:

“We will be at Fryern Pavilion, Chandler’s Ford on Monday 30 July from 4pm – 7pm for the last Local Plan consultation drop-in session. Find out more about the #Eastleigh Borough Local Plan.”

More details: Emerging Local Plan 2016 – 2036 [Read more…] about Last Local Plan Consultation Drop-in Session: Fryern Pavilion: Monday 30 July from 4pm – 7pm

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Eastleigh parkrun 400

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If you were near Fleming Park last Saturday morning (21st April) you might have seen a number of tutu-clad people – both male and female – heading to or from Dragonfly Park.  What was going on?  Was it a flash-mob performance of Swan Lake?  A group of half-hearted entrants to a drag-queen competition?  Take-your-ballet-dancer to work day?

The reason was far more exciting than those possibilities.  It was the occasion of the 400th Eastleigh parkrun, and the event organisers thought that a tutu-wearing event would be a good way to celebrate.  [Read more…] about Eastleigh parkrun 400

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Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2018 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)

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The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”) had a busy day taking part in three St George’s Day Parades today.

They started at 10:00 in Eastleigh, and 12:45 in Winchester, then 14:30 in Chandler’s Ford. Emma Thompson, Media Officer and Deputy Drum Major from the Band said they would like to thank everyone who turned out to support each event.

All photos of “The Spitfires”: courtesy of MJDS Photography. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2018 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)

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