entertainment

26 Songs Medley – Fundraising for Methodist Homes (MHA)

May 3, 2020 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Why not listen to a medley of 26 beautiful songs, guess their titles, and donate to support Methodist Homes (MHA)?

MHA is a charity providing care, accommodation and support services for older people throughout Britain.

Rev Eric Renouf’s daughter, Joy Blake, leads Singing for Wellbeing groups for two MHA Live at Home Schemes in the north of Hampshire. As a fundraising challenge for MHA, she has put together a medley of 26 songs with titles for each letter of the alphabet (with a bit of ‘cheating’ on ‘X’).

Most of the songs are taken from the repertoire she uses for the Wellbeing groups. You are invited to have a go at identifying the 26 song titles. A list of the answers can be obtained from Marilyn Pack (mjpack@renpack.co.uk).

Tags: Covid-19, entertainment, fundraising, good neighbours, Methodist Church, music

Part 3 – The Chameleons Say Hello…to their Favourite Performances

May 1, 2020 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Hello and welcome to another installment from The Chameleon Theatre Group looking at life behind the scenes. This week, they share with us what some of their most memorable productions have been and why.

The Chameleons start with All My Sons, which they presented in October 2016.

Image Credit: As ever, a big thanks to The Chameleons for the images.

Tags: amateur theatre, comedy, drama, entertainment, Ritchie Hall, shows, The Chameleon Theatre Group

Murphy’s Law For Readers

April 10, 2020 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

I thought a lighthearted piece would probably be timely. Last year, I wrote a piece about Murphy’s Law for Writers so I thought I would take the topic again and look at it from a reader’s viewpoint.

So how could Murphy’s Law apply to readers then? As follows, I think, but send in your suggestions via the comments box. Some of what follows will be for when we resume normal life again but the general principles apply.

So how could Murphy’s Law affect readers? Pixabay

Tags: books, bookshops, entertainment, humour, libraries, Murphy's Law, readers, stories

Part 2 – The Chameleons Say Hello… to the Technical Side

April 3, 2020 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

It is always a great pleasure to welcome The Chameleon Theatre Group back to Chandler’s Ford Today. We are sorry their Spring Quartet production had to be cancelled and we hope it is not long before we see them again on the stage at Ritchie Hall. Janet and I very much look forward to our “CFT works outings” again in the future!

Meanwhile, for a fascinating look behind the scenes at sound, lighting, set design, and props, read on… and as ever many thanks to The Chameleons for the interviews and the photos. (Many thanks also to Janet Williams as there was a useful picture for this post in the CFT archives taken by her).

This week’s post looks at the technical aspects of a production. Pixabay image.

Tags: amateur theatre, behind the scenes, entertainment, Information, interviews, Ritchie Hall, The Chameleon Theatre Group

The Chameleons Say Hello – Part 1

March 13, 2020 By Allison Symes 2 Comments

The Chameleon Theatre Group have been posting a series of small interviews. They and I thought it a good idea to compile these in some articles for CFT. Hope you enjoy! These will hopefully be spread out over a few weeks between each one. Many thanks as ever to The Chameleons for the photos.

Oh and don’t forget that when you go to one of their excellent productions and take part in things like the raffle, proceeds go to a nominated charity. So have a great night out and support a good cause at the same time. Now that’s the kind of multitasking I’ve always got time for!

And now over to The Chameleons for Part 1 in what we hope will be an enjoyable series.

Feature Image - The Chameleons Say Hello - Part 1 — Feature Image – The Chameleons Say Hello – Part 1. Pixabay image.

Tags: amateur theatre, behind the scenes, entertainment, interviews, plays, Ritchie Hall, The Chameleon Theatre Group

Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford February – March 2020

February 22, 2020 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Here are some great events in the coming weeks in Chandler’s Ford.

Chandler’s Ford Men’s Shed: Meet every Friday from 1.30pm at Hexagon Centre, Suffolk Close, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 3GZ

On 20th March Chandler’s Ford Men’s Shed is opening its new social space. Paid for by donations from local businesses and being opened by the Mayor of Eastleigh, the shed is set up for the wellbeing of men in the local community.

Address: Hexagon Centre, Suffolk Close, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 3GZ.
Meet every Friday from 1.30pm.

Chandler's Ford Men's Shed - Meet Every Friday from 1.30pm at Hexagon Centre, Suffolk Close, Chandler's Ford, SO53 3GZ — Chandler’s Ford Men’s Shed – Meet every Friday from 1.30pm at Hexagon Centre, Suffolk Close, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 3GZ

Traidcraft Big Breakfast: to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. Saturday 14th March from 9.30am, at St Martin in the Wood Church, Queens Road, Hiltingbury.

Traidcraft Big Breakfast: to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. This will be on Saturday 14th March at St Martin’s Church, Queens Road, Hiltingbury. It will begin at 9.30am.

Tags: community, Dovetail Centre, entertainment, event, Fairtrade, good neighbours, Hiltingbury, local interest, Methodist Church

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ by The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” and Friends

December 20, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

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)

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, Christmas, community, culture, Eastleigh, entertainment, local interest, music, news, scouting, The Spitfires marching band

Review: Chandler’s Ford MDG Players: ‘Welcome to our village, please invade carefully’

December 2, 2019 By Ben Williams 3 Comments

This year’s performance by the MDG Players is a pastiche of sci-fi storytelling that lampoons radio plays and the stories of Stephen King and John Wyndham. Presented as a radio play, Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully is filled with clever humour and wit that results in a very original, fun way to spend an evening.

Mike Standing (A Minion), Lester Parry (Gryvook), and Mike Slatcher (Uljabaan)

The plot is simple – the village of Cresdon Green, Buckinghamshire, is a normal English town that has just happened to be slowly invaded by aliens. It starts with a dome being placed over the village and then Uljabaan, an alien trying desperately hard to impress his superiors, attempting to blend in with the villagers. Whilst some embrace the aliens, others, led by the rebellious Katrina Lyons, want to see the aliens gone. Hilarity ensues. [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford MDG Players: ‘Welcome to our village, please invade carefully’

Tags: acting, arts and crafts, Chandler's Ford, community, Dovetail Centre, drama, entertainment, event, fiction, humour, local interest, MDG Players, Methodist Church, review, social, theatre, Winchester Road

Favourite Adverts

November 8, 2019 By Allison Symes 15 Comments

Do you like advertising? I don’t mind adverts that entertain me. I accept their purpose is to try to make me part with my money but unless it really is for a product I’m interested in, there’s nothing doing!

Always glad to advertise these people – and yes the image is from Pixabay, who else?!

[Read more…] about Favourite Adverts

Tags: adverts, entertainment, favourite adverts, marketing, quiz, writers and advertising

MDG Players’ Production: ‘Welcome to our village, please invade carefully’ – Thursday 28th – Saturday 30th November

November 2, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

MDG Players’ next production is ‘Welcome to our village, please invade carefully’ by Eddie Robson on Thursday 28th – Saturday 30th November, in the Dovetail Centre Café, of Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, at 7.30pm.

Tickets £8 can be purchased from The Dovetail Café or Brenda Discombe on 023 8025 3922 or email: johndiscombe1962@talktalk.net

Tags: acting, Chandler's Ford, community, Dovetail Centre, drama, entertainment, event, local interest, MDG Players, Methodist Church, social, theatre, Winchester Road

Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford: October to December 2019

October 25, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Here we have a list of Chandler’s Ford events for you to enjoy and support. We’ll update events on the Upcoming Events page regularly. Send us your community events to help us keep everyone informed with local news and events.

Chandler’s Ford Produce & Craft Market – Saturday – Autumn Market – at the Age Concern Hall, Brownhill Road, from 10am – 1pm (Behind Co-op, Fryern Arcade).

Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, Christmas, community, Dovetail Centre, entertainment, event, Fairtrade, good neighbours, Hiltingbury, local interest, Methodist Church

From Elvis to Refugees (and Christmas) – Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford

September 25, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

Here we have a list of Chandler’s Ford events for you to enjoy, support, (and possibly escape from the noises of the world). We’ll update events on the Upcoming Events page regularly. Send us your events to help us keep everyone informed with local news and events.

Chandler’s Ford Produce & Craft Market – Saturday – Autumn Market – at the Age Concern Hall, Brownhill Road, from 10am – 1pm (Behind Co-op, Fryern Arcade).

Oct. 2nd
Nov. 2nd
Dec. 7th

Tags: Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, Dovetail Centre, entertainment, event, good neighbours, Hiltingbury, local interest, Methodist Church, The Hilt

Chameleon Theatre Company – Review: They Came From Mars…

August 2, 2019 By Allison Symes Leave a Comment

Apologies but the title of this spoof is so long for the boxes CFT has for its posts, I thought it best to truncate it. Truncate or not to truncate, that is the question… (oh and apologies to Shakespeare too).

Image Credit: As ever a huge thank you to Lionel Elliott, Mike Morris, and all of The Chameleons for the pictures.

I discussed titles in last week’s post and the latest production from The Chameleon Theatre Company has one which is a humdinger! They Came From Mars and Landed Outside the Farndale Avenue Church Hall in time for the Townswomen’s Coffee Morning doesn’t trip off the tongue but is a classic example of a title showing clearly what the story is – a spoof! [Read more…] about Chameleon Theatre Company – Review: They Came From Mars…

Tags: amateur theatre, Chameleon Theatre Group, comedy, entertainment, humour, plays, sci-fi, spoof, theatre

Murphy’s Law

July 19, 2019 By Allison Symes 3 Comments

I’m a great believer in Murphy’s Law. “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”. Why? Because humans have such a wonderful creative capacity and, simultaneously, an equally wonderful capacity to muck things up. (It’s just wonderful in a different direction, that’s all!). [Read more…] about Murphy’s Law

Tags: creative writing, entertainment, humour, Murphy's Law, writers

Reading Aloud Allowed (and Local Author News: Allison Symes)

June 14, 2019 By Allison Symes 7 Comments

I make no apology for the pun! Reading aloud is encouraged in youngsters to help them develop their vocabulary and rightly so but, unless you are a performance poet or oral storyteller, this habit is forgotten in adulthood. I think this is a shame. I find it is a real treat to be read to and it makes a lovely connection to the old oral storytelling tradition too. [Read more…] about Reading Aloud Allowed (and Local Author News: Allison Symes)

Tags: audio books, creative writing, entertainment, fiction, listening to stories, open mic, performance prose, reading, reading aloud

2019 Fryern Funtasia – Were You There?

May 10, 2019 By Allison Symes 1 Comment

Well, I was, and it was great to meet up with Janet once again and, later, to meet Roger Clark, fellow CFT contributor. Many thanks to Janet for the selfie (and I guess you could have called this an outdoor editorial meeting!).

Image Credit (or blame as you see fit): Unless otherwise named, the culprit behind the images is Allison Symes. [Read more…] about 2019 Fryern Funtasia – Were You There?

Tags: charities, community, entertainment, event, Fryern Funtasia, Fryern Recreation Ground, One Community, Three Rivers Rail Partnership

Review: Spring Trio of Plays – Chameleon Theatre Group

May 3, 2019 By Allison Symes 1 Comment

Image Credit: Many thanks as ever to Stuart Wineberg, Lionel Elliott and the Chameleons for the wonderful pictures.

I went to see the latest Chameleons’ production Spring Trio of Plays on Thursday 25th April. I like the mixed assortment of plays they often put on in the Spring as you have a variety of entertainment which have a powerful impact. None of the three plays were long enough to stage alone (at least not in this form) but worked very well in a trio format like this. [Read more…] about Review: Spring Trio of Plays – Chameleon Theatre Group

Tags: acting, Chameleon Theatre Group, drama, entertainment, plays, Ritchie Hall, theatre

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

April 29, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

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

Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, culture, Eastleigh, entertainment, event, local interest, Merdon Avenue, Merdon School, Methodist Church, music, scouting, social, St. George's Day, The Spitfires marching band, Winchester Road

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

April 28, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

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”)

Chandler’s Ford MDG Players: ‘He’s Not Here’ – Friday 12th April at 7.30pm

April 2, 2019 By SO53 News Leave a Comment

MDG Players are staging for one night only, on Friday 12th April at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church, a thought-provoking drama called, ‘He’s Not Here’ by Les Ellison. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford MDG Players: ‘He’s Not Here’ – Friday 12th April at 7.30pm

Tags: acting, Chandler's Ford, community, Dovetail Centre, drama, entertainment, event, local interest, MDG Players, Methodist Church, social, theatre, Winchester Road

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Chandler’s Ford Men’s Shed: Meet every Friday from 1.30pm at Hexagon Centre, Suffolk Close, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 3GZ

Traidcraft Big Breakfast: to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. Saturday 14th March from 9.30am, at St Martin in the Wood Church, Queens Road, Hiltingbury.

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“The Spitfires and Friends do Christmas” CD (2019)

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Chandler’s Ford Produce & Craft Market – Saturday – Autumn Market – at the Age Concern Hall, Brownhill Road, from 10am – 1pm (Behind Co-op, Fryern Arcade).

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Chandler’s Ford Produce & Craft Market – Saturday – Autumn Market – at the Age Concern Hall, Brownhill Road, from 10am – 1pm (Behind Co-op, Fryern Arcade).

Oct. 2nd Nov. 2nd Dec. 7th

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