I was in Eastleigh for a couple of hours today, and guess who I met?
First I was greeted by an emu, then I bumped into Mayor of Eastleigh Councillor Jane Welsh. Christmas must be around the corner as I think I also met one of the Wise Kings (in November)! [Read more…] about Eastleigh’s Christmas Lights Switch on – 21st November 2015
The Sorting Office in Eastleigh will open for its annual Winter Open Studios this weekend (21st and 22nd November 2015).
Now in its third year, the Winter Open Studios will run over two days, opening on Saturday November 21 from 11am to 5pm, and on Sunday November 22 from 11am to 4pm. [Read more…] about Don’t Forget: Winter Open Studios This Weekend at the Sorting Office Eastleigh
I spent a fascinating and hugely enjoyable afternoon at Chandler’s Ford library yesterday where I attended a talk on “Growing up in Chandler’s Ford in the 50s and 60s” by local ‘lad’ Martin Napier.
Extra chairs had to be brought out to accommodate everyone. [Read more…] about An Interactive Local History Talk by Martin Napier
This must be the happiest news ever!
Ted is found! Ted is safe!
The missing Cocker Spaniel which was lost in Knightwood since last Thursday was found safe at about 3pm this afternoon. [Read more…] about Ted is Found!
I attended Eastleigh Basics Bank’s first AGM on 22 September. Formerly operating under Zion Projects, Eastleigh Basics Bank is now registered as a charity in its own right, with its own bank account.
The management committee comprises Dan Brain (Chairman), Chris Goodhead (treasurer), Denise (secretary and joint shop manager), Dom Hooley (stock control and joint shop manager), and Dave Keating (events manager). [Read more…] about Eastleigh Basics Bank 2015 AGM
Now in its 18th year, the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s family festival event is a wonderful celebration of all things pumpkin related.
The day (10th October 2015) was opened by Eastleigh Mayor Jane Welsh and her husband to the skirling pipes of the Southern Jacobites Pipe Band.
The Jubilee Sailing Trust offers life changing experiences to both disabled and able bodied people aboard their two purpose built tall ships, Tenacious and Lord Nelson. [Read more…] about The Autumn Pumpkin Festival at the Royal Victoria Country Park
Two designs created by Eastleigh-based artist Lisa Jean Gardner, who works under the name Iris Hill, have been chosen by supermarket giant Asda to feature on a range of greetings cards.
Lisa’s designs, easily recognisable by her use of inks and watercolour to create bright, whimsical patterns and scenes, [Read more…] about Eastleigh Artist’s Designs Picked up for New ASDA Greetings Card Range
Yes the October half term holiday is upon us. What’s your plan?
First, the coffin has arrived!
What am I talking about? The coffin has now arrived at Ritchie Hall ready for the Chameleon Theatre Company’s new production, Dracula. [Read more…] about Things to Do during October Half Term in Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh Town Centre
I recently received an unusual request to Chandler’s Ford Today from Gemma, who works on the orthopaedic ward at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.
Her first lines were: “I’m not entirely sure if you are the correct person to contact? However you may be able to redirect me!”
This intrigued me. [Read more…] about Join Eastleigh Knitters Making Twiddlemuffs for Dementia Patients
Councillor Louise Bloom from Hedge End recently visited Chandler’s Ford promoting Fairtrade.
Eastleigh is now officially a Fairtrade Borough, a status achieved on 7th May 2015. Councillor Louise Bloom, a strong Fairtrade promoter, said she hopes more companies would support Fairtrade in the Borough of Eastleigh. [Read more…] about Show You Care – Chandler’s Ford Fairtrade Autumn Market
The Spitfires – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band performed an all new concert at The Methodist Church in Chandler’s Ford on Saturday evening, 17th October 2015. “All new” in that all the pieces were being performed by the band for the first time.
A church may seem an unlikely venue for a band concert, but the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church proved to be an excellent one. [Read more…] about Review: The Spitfires in Concert – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band
Charlotte Mary Yonge? Who is she?
She is the woman represented by the new statue of a seated figure in the approach to Eastleigh Railway Station. Yes, but who is she?
Charlotte Mary Yonge is hardly known these days but she was a notable novelist in her time. [Read more…] about Charlotte Mary Yonge in Eastleigh
I’ve lived in Chandler’s Ford for over 25 years but it was only last Sunday I went to the Hiltingbury Extravaganza for the first time.
I was fascinated by the combination of pony trekking, the dog show, the hot food stalls, the icecream vans, the giant slides and a mini bus ride, the tea and cake stands and educational stalls.
Hang on… Educational stalls? At a family fair? A fun event?
Yes… and it wasn’t the first time one particular educational stall, manned by a very familar face, had been at the Extravaganza. [Read more…] about Hiltingbury Extravaganza – Talking Maths: Andrew Kuttner
This morning we went to Eastleigh and spent two hours there.
An event called Eastleigh Mardi Gras took place in the town centre – a day of live music and entertainment with a post-war theme: “The war is over! It’s time to party!”
I discovered the event by chance last year, and wrote Eastleigh Mardi Gras 2014: Fun, Joy, Charities for Community.
There seemed to be 3 things happening in Eastleigh town today: [Read more…] about A Very Eastleigh Festival: Mardi Gras and Vintage Market 2015
This post reviews Station Walks by Dr. Clare Diaper. I discovered this book thanks to an earlier Chandler’s Ford Today post and am glad to say it is a delight to read and a greater joy to use.
The book is supported by the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, My Journey and Transition Southampton. Their details are given at the front of the book. [Read more…] about Review: Station Walks Book
After the summer holiday in Perth and Singapore, I thought it would take a long while to get used to Chandler’s Ford life, but I have been able to recover quickly and adjust to the ordinary. My perception on many things changed slightly, more specifically how Chandler’s Ford can be improved.
Obviously I don’t hate it here. [Read more…] about Voice of a Teenager: How to Improve Chandler’s Ford
You don’t need to travel far for autumn and Christmas markets.
Chandler’s Ford is the hub for markets from now till Christmas.
Upcoming markets in October and November include: [Read more…] about Upcoming Chandler’s Ford Craft Markets and Fairtrade Autumn Market
We have a friend, let’s call her Betty, who is fit but cannot use her legs so she lives her life in a wheelchair. Many people treat her in a “does she take sugar?” fashion. She can answer for herself, she has a PhD, but she has to put up with being treated as an idiot. [Read more…] about Life in a Wheelchair
Hampshire Scout Shows Unite!
For the first time in the history of Scouting in Hampshire, the creative talents of multiple districts will be brought together in collaboration for a one night only performance as Hampshire Scouts present ‘Stepping Out’. [Read more…] about Hampshire Scouts Present ‘Stepping Out’
Christmas is approaching (What? Have I just mentioned “Christmas”?), and this year, there will be a lot of craft, arts, and produce markets in Chandler’s Ford for you to buy the best gifts.
Chandler’s Ford Age Concern Centre on 7 Brownhill Road (SO53 2EB) will become a major centre for many upcoming markets. I hope you could visit these markets to support our local businesses. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Age Concern Centre: Upcoming Craft and Gift Markets
