“It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas” – well, it certainly is for the 380 people who went to “A Swing-Along Christmas” concert presented by the Thornden Community Wind Band with their special guests The Spitfire Sisters on Friday evening. This was a wonderful concert and a fine introduction to the week before Christmas.
[Read more…] about Thornden Community Wind Band Christmas Concert
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Otterbourne Mummers: Traditional Mummers Play in Otterbourne, Christmas 2016
Yesterday, we went to see the Mummers street play in Otterbourne, Hampshire.
It is a very old and traditional folk play and depicts King George slaying the dragon, Turkish knights and other adversaries. It was good fun to watch and the costumes were very colourful. [Read more…] about Otterbourne Mummers: Traditional Mummers Play in Otterbourne, Christmas 2016
Christmas News: Eastleigh Rotary Club with Trigger the Train in Chandler’s Ford
While I was concentrating on some very important piece of academic writing this evening, a tweet by Sonja Davison came through.
Sonja told me: “John & I helping with Eastleigh Rotary Christmas collection in Chandler’s Ford with Trigger the Train.” [Read more…] about Christmas News: Eastleigh Rotary Club with Trigger the Train in Chandler’s Ford
Review: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St. Boniface Church 2016
I attended the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in St. Boniface (CofE) Church this evening. The church was packed. Superbly directed by Dr. Hugh Benham, the carol service certainly defines Christmas musically for Chandler’s Ford.
(If you missed the carol service this year, try not to miss it next year. Trust me, you won’t regret it.) [Read more…] about Review: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at St. Boniface Church 2016
Santa and The Round Table Visiting Chandler’s Ford Area
From Friday 15th December Santa from Romsey, Chandler’s Ford & District Round Table begins a two night run visiting: Friday 16th December in Valley Park, around Sandringham Close from 6pm; Saturday 17th Valley Park, around Skys Wood Road from 5pm. [Read more…] about Santa and The Round Table Visiting Chandler’s Ford Area
Wooden Train Built by Eastleigh Men’s Shed Arrived at Chandler’s Ford Station
Today Eastleigh Men’s Shed group installed a new train on the disused platform at Chandler’s Ford Station to help brighten up the area.
Eastleigh Men’s Shed is a not-for-profit group based in Hamble.
Mark Miller, Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership Officer, praised Eastleigh Men’s Shed volunteers for their dedication: “The Men’s Shed have been working on this project for some time, and we are delighted with the finished product – a wooden train planter.” [Read more…] about Wooden Train Built by Eastleigh Men’s Shed Arrived at Chandler’s Ford Station
New Wooden Train Planter for Chandler’s Ford Disused Platform
Seven volunteers spent 90 minutes cleared the disused platform at Chandler’s Ford last Sunday afternoon.
The aim is to provide a clear area on the old platform where a new wooden train planter provided by Eastleigh Men’s Shed will be placed, on Thursday 8 December 2016.
See the transformation: [Read more…] about New Wooden Train Planter for Chandler’s Ford Disused Platform
Round Table Brings Santa to Chandler’s Ford and Valley Park – 2016
Father Christmas will be taking to the streets of Chandler’s Ford in style again this Christmas, thanks to the local Round Table travelling across the area, collecting money for local good causes.
Whilst Santa’s elves have been busy making Frozen Toys ready for the big day, Santa’s fitted a GPS tracker in his sleigh, so you’ll know exactly where he is. This means if you can’t wait for them to knock on your door, or if they are not coming to your street this year, you are welcome to see if they are nearby and come and find them. [Read more…] about Round Table Brings Santa to Chandler’s Ford and Valley Park – 2016
The Race Centre Supports Children in Need
On the 18th and 19th of November 2016 The Race Centre, in the Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford, ran a 24 hour endurance race to raise money for Children in Need.
Ten teams of drivers competed for the trophies driving LMP2 Porsche Spyders at the classic endurance circuit of Sebring in America. [Read more…] about The Race Centre Supports Children in Need
Review: Extravaganza of Musical Shows by Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society
Last week’s autumn production for the Eastleigh Operatic & Musical Society gave us an Extravaganza of Musical Shows – a selection of both some of the better-known and lesser-known numbers from musical theatre.
There is a huge canon of musical shows to choose from, and the company had selected an eclectic programme to showcase the skills of the performers. [Read more…] about Review: Extravaganza of Musical Shows by Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society
Christmas at Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market 2016
I went to Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market this morning and realised that Christmas has indeed arrived.
The market was held at the Age Concern Centre on Brownhill Road (just next to the Co-op and the Fryern Arcade). [Read more…] about Christmas at Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market 2016
Book Launch News: Martin Kyrle and Michael Roberts
As you know by now, I love train travel but I’m pleased to say I am easily outdone (in terms of distance and time taken to complete the journey) by two local authors who are bringing out a new book shortly.
The furthest I’ve been in a day from Chandler’s Ford Station is York (to date anyway!) but the new book, written by Martin Kyrle and Michael Roberts, is called Jottings from the Trans-Siberian Railway. Now there is considerable commitment to long distance train travel! [Read more…] about Book Launch News: Martin Kyrle and Michael Roberts
Advent Sunday at St Boniface Church: Sunday 27 November 2016
At 6.30 pm on Sunday 27 November 2016, St. Boniface Church Choir will be leading a special service of music and readings for Advent Sunday.
Advent Sunday is the first Sunday in the church’s year, and the beginning of the lead-up to Christmas. [Read more…] about Advent Sunday at St Boniface Church: Sunday 27 November 2016
Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society: Extravaganza of Musical Shows
In the run-up to Christmas, Eastleigh town centre is alive with the sound of carol singing today.
I was lucky enough to be in town while the talented singers from Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society (EOMS) were singing Christmas carols. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society: Extravaganza of Musical Shows
Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On and Fun Day; Winter Open Studios 2016
Tomorrow morning I’ll be heading for Eastleigh for the Eastleigh Christmas lights switch on and fun day.
Sound exciting, doesn’t it?
(So many coffee shops to choose from in Eastleigh. Tell me: which coffee shop should I visit tomorrow?) [Read more…] about Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On and Fun Day; Winter Open Studios 2016
Books of 2016; Ebook Surgeries at Chandler’s Ford Library
I am really pleased to bring news of two events happening at Chandler’s Ford Library this month. I’m pleased because the events themselves sound fun. I loved the recent link up between Chandler’s Ford Library and Merdon School for the Story Shuffle Project and the following two events are also excellent ideas.
I hope all who can go to these events have a wonderful time at them. [Read more…] about Books of 2016; Ebook Surgeries at Chandler’s Ford Library
World Sight Day: Lions Club of Eastleigh Supports Open Sight
Staff at Open Sight couldn’t believe their eyes when a lion visited their offices in Bishopstoke on Wednesday, to present them with a cheque.
On 13th October 2016 Lions Club of Eastleigh spent World Sight Day at their local Asda, raising funds for a cause close to their hearts. [Read more…] about World Sight Day: Lions Club of Eastleigh Supports Open Sight
The Japanese Red Cross at Netley, 1915-16
One hundred years ago a group of Japanese Red Cross nurses travelled from their Far Eastern homeland to offer their services at Royal Victoria Military Hospital in Netley in Eastleigh, at the height of World War 1.
The 20-strong team, many of whom had never travelled outside of Japan, spent a year at the Netley hospital, supporting their British counterparts, to attend to the thousands of soldiers wounded in the bloody battles of the war.
[Read more…] about The Japanese Red Cross at Netley, 1915-16
Review: Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market Chandler’s Ford 2016
This morning I went to the Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.
I love this annual tradition – as it kicks off my internal clock for Christmas. It reminds me that I need to start pick up a pen, write a few Christmas cards (while adding names or crossing names off my Christmas card list as well).
This morning, former Eastleigh Mayor Councillor Jane Welsh opened the 43rd Christmas Market. [Read more…] about Review: Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market Chandler’s Ford 2016
Review: All My Sons – Excellent Production by Chameleon Theatre Company
I went to see All My Sons by Arthur Miller at the Chameleon Theatre Company in Hursley Road recently.
Wonderful performances, a great story and I’m glad to have discovered this play. It is also, I think, apt that this review appears on 11th November given All My Sons is set in 1947. The impact of World War Two is still red raw on grieving families (as the play makes very clear). [Read more…] about Review: All My Sons – Excellent Production by Chameleon Theatre Company