Eastleigh
M27 Closure; Eastleigh Derailed Freight Train
From tonight the M27 will be completely closed in both directions between junctions 3 (M271) and junction 4 (M3) this weekend – from late evening Friday 31 January to early morning 3 February. Read Chippy’s report: M27 Closure 31 Jan – 3 Feb.
To add to the chaos, there’ll be disruption on your train journey. Since Tuesday, a rail line has been blocked after a freight train derailed in Eastleigh. The line between Southampton Central and Basingstoke and thousands of people have been affected.
Route Director, Mark Killick, explains what happened and what they’re doing to get the railway reopened for Monday. “We apologise for the continued disruption and line closure; passengers should continue to check with @SW_Help before travelling.”

Watch the video below and see the huge task of repair:
#EASTLEIGH derailment update. Our Route Director, Mark Killick explains what happened and what we’re doing to get the railway reopened for Monday. We apologise for the continued disruption and line closure; passengers should continue to check with @SW_Help before travelling. pic.twitter.com/K15cmhhz71
— Network Rail Wessex (@NetworkRailWssx) January 31, 2020
[Read more…] about M27 Closure; Eastleigh Derailed Freight Train
M27 Closure 31 Jan – 3 Feb
The M27 will be completely closed in both directions between junctions 3 (M271) and junction 4 (M3) this weekend – from late evening Friday 31 January to early morning 3 February.
This is the third and final closure required for the replacement of the Romsey Road bridge. More details can be found on the Highways England website. [Read more…] about M27 Closure 31 Jan – 3 Feb
Support Eastleigh Basics Bank – Helping Local People in Crisis
Dear Supporters,
It’s that time again to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the New Year ahead. Sat here at the Eastleigh Basics Bank reflecting on 2019 for me brings a real sense of thankfulness, pride in our community and also hope for more in 2020.

It’s remarkable to me that when the local churches gathered a small group of volunteers to start a local food bank in 2011, nearly 9 years later we have now not only fed 18,500 people for a week, but continue to operate entirely through the hard work and dedication of volunteers! They are to my mind an amazing group of individuals, who faithfully give of their time, week in week out all year round to support those in our community facing very difficult circumstances.

Cheerful Givers…
[Read more…] about Support Eastleigh Basics Bank – Helping Local People in Crisis
‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ by The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” and Friends
Written by Greg Walker, Principal Director of Music, The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band.
Here’s our talented group of youngsters at The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band showing what we can do, along with a mass choir of Scout and Guide Shows from all across Hampshire, with our cover of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’... we hope you enjoy it – we had GREAT fun recording and making it.
“The Spitfires and Friends do Christmas” CD (2019)
Fairtrade Shopping Evening 2019 – Buy Fairtrade and Make a Difference
The Fairtrade shopping evening at St Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury last Friday was successful and enjoyable. Many people attended and had an opportunity to buy a variety of high quality fairtrade products to support disadvantaged producers and workers in the developing world.
Fairtrade events encourage us to be ethical consumers and raise awareness of trade justice.

[Read more…] about Fairtrade Shopping Evening 2019 – Buy Fairtrade and Make a Difference
Mr Kipling – Exceedingly Good Memories
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.
M3 to get Smart
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
Audrey Steele Received Recognition from Clementine Churchill in 1942
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
Meet 90-year-old Audrey Steele – Eastleigh Citizen of Honour
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
Eastleigh Mayor Attended the Fairtrade Fashion Show in Chandler’s Ford – 17 May 2019
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
An Ordinary life – Iris’ Incredible Freezer Books
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
Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 28th April 2019
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
Chandler’s Ford St George’s Day Parade 2019 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)
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”)
The Spitfires: What’s Your Favourite Part of Christmas?
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?
Sailing into Christmas with the Jubilee Sailing
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
Rotary Club of Eastleigh – Santa’s Route in Chandler’s Ford – Monday 17th December 2018
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
Review: Fairtrade Evening in Chandler’s Ford 2018
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
Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market and Other Local Events – from October 2018
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.
Review – The Vicar of Dibley by Bishopstoke Players
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