Just for fun, I thought I would share a few Christmas linked short stories (the famous 100 worders) and limericks.
I also share a couple of my family traditions at Christmastime. [Read more…] about Christmas Stories, Limericks and Traditions
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Adventures of a Fantasy Author – Richard Hardie Interview Part 2
Further to last week’s post, when Chandler’s Ford author, Richard Hardie of the Temporal Detective Agency fame, shared what signings and other events have occupied him recently, this continuation shares some of his further news as well as tips for fellow writers.
[Read more…] about Adventures of a Fantasy Author – Richard Hardie Interview Part 2
Review: Diamond in the Sky by MDG Players
My mum and I recently went to see a comedy based on Science Fiction, performed by MDG (Methodist Drama Group) Players from Chandler’s Ford.
The comedy is called Diamond in the Sky, written and directed by Chandler’s Ford playwright Mike Standing.
While my mum couldn’t quite understand the comedy, I understood it as I’m a sci-fi nerd. [Read more…] about Review: Diamond in the Sky by MDG Players
Christmas Tree Festival at Chandler’s Ford St. Boniface Church
St. Boniface Church throws open its doors for a Christmas Tree Festival.
Twenty imaginatively decorated Christmas trees now adorn the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford, on Hursley Road, SO53 2FT. [Read more…] about Christmas Tree Festival at Chandler’s Ford St. Boniface Church
Further Adventures of a Fantasy Author
One of my earliest posts for Chandler’s Ford Today was an interview I conducted with local author, and fellow dog walker, Richard Hardie, who had not long released The Trouble With Swords, his second book in his Temporal Detective series and follow up to the marvellous Leap of Faith. [Read more…] about Further Adventures of a Fantasy Author
NEW! Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market
Have you been to the new Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market yet?
The next market is on Saturday the 12th of December 2015 from 10am to 2pm, on Brownhill Road, at Age Concern Centre in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about NEW! Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market
An Interactive Local History Talk by Martin Napier
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
Uplifting: Chandler’s Ford 42nd Joint Charities Christmas Market 2015
It’s the Charity Christmas Card week, from 15th – 22nd November 2015.
Deputy Mayor Eastleigh Councillor Des Scott opened Chandler’s Ford’s 42nd Joint Charities Christmas Market last Saturday (14th November 2015). [Read more…] about Uplifting: Chandler’s Ford 42nd Joint Charities Christmas Market 2015
From Movies at the Hilt to Movies at the Hall
Dear Moviegoer,
I mentioned a few months ago that Nigel and I would be retiring from running Movies @ the Hilt from the end of this year. We had thoroughly enjoyed providing this service but we both had reasons for freeing-up our respective personal time. [Read more…] about From Movies at the Hilt to Movies at the Hall
Review: Dracula by Chameleon Theatre Company
What happens when an amateur theatre company needs props that they don’t have?
They ask a friends, ask a neighbour, or ask local residents.
A while ago Nick Coleman and Liz Strevens from the Chameleons Theatre Company went public to borrow a violin (for their production, The Ladykillers), and a white patio table (for their production, Relatively Speaking). [Read more…] about Review: Dracula by Chameleon Theatre Company
Richard Hardie: “So You Want to be an Author?”
At the Chandler’s Ford library today I attended an author talk by Richard Hardie: “So you want to be an author?”.
Richard is a Chandler’s Ford author who has written two books in the Temporal Detective Agency series – Leap of Faith and Trouble in Mind. He talked to us about being a writer and good writing tips. [Read more…] about Richard Hardie: “So You Want to be an Author?”
Show You Care – Chandler’s Ford Fairtrade Autumn Market
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
Review: The Spitfires in Concert – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band
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
A Batch of Cumbers: Review of Hamlet at Thornden Hall
Lats Thursday I saw Hamlet broadcast by National Theatre Live, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, at the Thornden Hall in Chandler’s Ford. It was the fifth acting role I have seen Cumberbatch in, and apart from writing my review about the play, Hamlet, I would also like to write about how actors are defined by the roles they play. [Read more…] about A Batch of Cumbers: Review of Hamlet at Thornden Hall
Review: The Importance of Being Earnest at Thornden Hall
Despite knowing Thornden well and visiting the Hall for numerous parents’ evenings, this was the first time I’d visited the Hall for a show.
The Importance of Being Earnest was being shown as a live broadcast of the performance taking place at the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End. There was a short interview with the production’s director, Adrian Noble, and a further short piece with David Suchet, playing the unforgettable Lady Bracknell, before the performance. [Read more…] about Review: The Importance of Being Earnest at Thornden Hall
High Jinks at the Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2015
Some of the great joys of writing for Chandler’s Ford Today are in meeting new people and going to events that are new to me.
The recent Hiltingbury Extrav was the first I’d visited despite living in Chandler’s Ford for over 25 years. So I thought I would look back at it as we leave the summer season with its shows and fetes behind. (If anyone is in any doubt we are in autumn now, the recent wild weather should dispel that!). [Read more…] about High Jinks at the Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2015
What Do Architects Do?
L A Hally, a local architect, gave an informative talk about some of her work in Chandler’s Ford Today two weeks ago.
She specialises in designing extensions, rebuilds and redesign of houses in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about What Do Architects Do?
The Hiltingbury Extrav 2015
I went to Hiltingbury Recreation Ground at 3pm yesterday with my son, and local writer Allison Symes.
The Hiltingbury Extrav 2015 was in full swing. The event took place from 12.00 noon till 5.00pm.
We were first attracted by some classic cars. We spotted Chandler’s Ford Today writer Mike Sedgwick there admiring the vehicles (and checking the engine stuff). [Read more…] about The Hiltingbury Extrav 2015
Another Triumph for Chameleon Theatre Company
This week my wife and I attended the latest offering by our local Chameleon Theatre Company. We also took along someone new to this form of entertainment as we were sure that she would be hooked as we are to this talented group.
We were not disappointed. [Read more…] about Another Triumph for Chameleon Theatre Company
Review: Relatively Speaking – Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company
Over the past month or so I have been helping out with the Chameleon Theatre Company, after seeing several of their shows.
I learnt how to work with the lights and sound effects for the show from Lionel Elliott and Rebecca Nye. Last Sunday I saw the full dress rehearsal as I will be unable to help during the actual show due to holiday-itis. So treat this review like a film review when the film critics go to see the show early. [Read more…] about Review: Relatively Speaking – Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company