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family

The Itchen Navigation Allbrook to Brambridge

January 8, 2022 By Steve Allen 5 Comments

Nature photo by Steve Allen

By Steve Allen and Derek Johnson

We have been walking this part of the navigation for many years and in our opinion this 30-minute stroll has capture the river and canal in it entirety.

After making your way to Twyford Road and finding the track down to the canal you turn left, which takes you down past properties on the left bank, which dip their toes into the water edge. Look out for the signs of the kingfisher as they look for food. These bird are very elusive so you must have a keen eye to catch them perched on branches as they fish. Or you may see the distinctive turquoise rear as they fly past you at great speed.

Nature photo by Steve Allen
Nature photo by Steve Allen

The view opens out on the right. At this stage, just pause a while to see if you can watch many spices of birds going about their daily life. Some say a small blot on the landscape is Nuttall Construction but I feel this gives a sense of what the canal was used for in years gone by.

Passing under the railway bridge you emerge to meadow land on the right. High on the first pylon it has been known to see up to seven cormorants surveying their territory. In the meadows deer and geese can be seen grazing.

Cormorant image by winterseitler via Pixabay
Cormorant image by winterseitler via Pixabay

After crossing the road, stop a while to look at the lock, check the depth by looking at the ledge on the other bank. At this time the water is high above and we encounter flooding as we progress. As we wonder through the canopy of trees, just be aware of the river and watch for ripples on the waters edge, as this is a sure sign of the water vole as she make her way through the reed beds to her riverbank home.

New growth is starting to show along the edges of the canal; new life is about to begin.

On the left the meadow land opens out in the foreground; the reeds are growing. If you just stand awhile you may hear the distinctive sound of the reed warblers as he tries to encourage a mate to his domain. He loves to climb up the reeds to have a look at you before he flies away. Most odd.

View from the Brambridge walk
View from the Brambridge walk

Depending upon the rainfall, the canal can be clear as crystal. ThIs is a good time to watch the water surface as life is in great abundance on or below the surface.

Many a time I have stopped for a while to take in the peace and tranquility of the canal with its changing moods. Once you are up by the sliuce gates you will see the canal and river side by side, both trying to race one another as they make their through the Itchen Valley.

 Nature image by Steve Allen

Lurking in the deep waters is a predator the river barracuda the pike – we have named her Jaws and have seen her in action taking a grayling or two. The heron and egret find this stretch of the river good hunting grounds. As we cross a wooden footbridge we come to the end of our stroll at Brambridge garden centre on the right. We can be found sitting outside under the canopy having a pot of tea and medium cappuccino and a nice ice buns.

THIS IS THE LIFE – ENJOY ONE OF GOD’S PIECE OF HEAVEN.

Brambridge Itchen walk nature

Brambridge walk (Image by Janet)
Brambridge walk (Image by Janet)

By Steve Allen and Derek Johnson

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Tags: adventure, days out, Eastleigh, family, health, Itchen, leisure, memories, travel, walking

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 183, the last)

December 30, 2021 By Rick Goater 25 Comments

Condolences from a small great-grandson; a happy birthday and a treasured card; green-wellied Rick; farewell the Anderson Shelter; a new pond; “queer turns” and “nasty falls”; a last new bird for the garden; several new additions to the Family, and “Good night my dear.  God bless you”.

It is June 30th 1991, four days after Jane’s funeral.  Gran writes:

I rang Beverly to ask how she is and she said she had recovered from her exhaustion and was very touched and proud that Jane had asked her to be with her during her illness. I thanked her for being with Jane at the last and for her support for me in the Church at Jane’s Funeral Service.

The following day Gran receives a heartfelt and uplifting letter from Julian, based with the RAF in Germany, praising Jane and her “spirit, her values and her bravery”, adding, “… I’d be really proud if I were her Mum”. And with Julian’s communication is a letter from his son, Sam, saying, Gran writes, “Dear Great Gran – we were very sad too”.

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 183, the last)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 182)

December 5, 2021 By Rick Goater Leave a Comment

A new gas supply; the “Great Gale”; worrying news of Jane; Peter Scott, George Green and “a little Pakistani newsboy”; taking a bath is risky; three additional residents at The Ridge; Frank Harding’s eyesight; a shop on fire; the last whist drive, and “the saddest Midsummer Day”.

On September 10th 1987 Gran’s gas supply is being upgraded, and she writes at the end of the day:

There was still no gas and the men dug up the top part of the drive and drilled a hole through the wall and from the cupboard under the stairs into the garage where the new meter is to be installed.  The mess everywhere has to be seen to be believed… The gas was restored at 4.45 and the last man told me that men would return in a day or two to re-lay the drive and level the ground outside the gateway.

The Ridge’s drive. It was originally “crazy-paved” with large slabs of limestone, and could be very slippery.
[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 182)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 181)

November 28, 2021 By Rick Goater 2 Comments

“Contented and at rest”; no hot water and a need for porage; a long-lasting watering can; when Katie met Harry; a natural history bonanza in Scotland; two new orchids; farewell “Granny” Pickford; exciting news from Katie; “a wonderful and never-to-be forgotten day”, and “what gems are there still to uncover?”

Book 229

January 4th 1987, Gran writes, is “a dreary and dull day starting overcast after night rain and soon pouring for the rest of the day” but we feel that after a long period of stressful and unhappy events, she has managed to regain some of her equilibrium, as she continues:

… and I have seen no-one, and the front door has not been unlocked.  Yet I have been contented and at rest.  A thrush was singing when I went to take the temperatures soon after eight o’clock this morning.

The middle of the month is bitterly cold and family and neighbours worry about her keeping warm enough in The Ridge, a house, like many others at that time, with no central heating or double-glazing, and just a gas fire in each of the main living rooms.  Barry offers to bring a sleeping bag for his Mother to use when sitting in her chair, and recommends she buy some cling-film to rig up some primitive double-glazing on the windows.

Joan Adelaide Goater - her journal about Chandler's Ford.

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 181)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 180)

November 21, 2021 By Rick Goater 3 Comments

Joan Adelaide Goater - her journal about Chandler's Ford.

Gran has a difficult time; support from all quarters; a memento from Tommy’s tree; letters to Auntie Bunnie; Grampa – a lovely, cheerful patient; solace in the garden; a simple Funeral Service; a family Christmas; Paul brings gifts, and a wedding to look forward to.

Difficulties at home continue for Gran.  Grampa is increasingly frail and unwell, more or less confined to bed and needing daily nursing care, and, Gran says on November 1st 1986 , “The plumber came and cleared the airlock in the downstairs hot water tap and is coming to deal with the overflow pipe in the toilet and the leak under the sink”.  Jane Elizabeth has been a wonderful support for Gran, her Mother-in-law, at this time but she needs to return to Bushey on the 2nd and Gran is sorry to see her go, writing also:

She meant to leave me half of the large brown loaf she bought yesterday but forgot.  She phoned from Winchester Station to say she had left it in the grit bin by the Hiltingbury Road bus stop and luckily, Cousin Bill Worsfold came at 11 a.m. so I was able to go and get it while he was here with Bill.

Gran has mentioned several of her husband’s relatives or friends lately, as they visit Grampa at The Ridge, but we are not always enlightened as to their relationships to him.  There is not only Bill Worsfold, but also Cousin Ray, who has often provided transport for Grampa; Anthony (a nephew) and his wife Hazel; Joan and Ken Birch (“Bill’s half-sister and her husband”, Gran writes), and Joan and Alastair McKenzie (“Joan is his Cousin”, Gran tells us).

“I made a bad beginning with tummy ache after I had taken Bill his breakfast and was sick just as nurse came to the front door”, she writes on November 4th, continuing:

I called that I was coming but I look so ghastly when this happens, she was very concerned and made me sit down and made me a cup of tea.  I assured her that I do this occasionally but soon feel perfectly alright.  After attending to Bill she took my pulse and blood pressure, both of which were perfectly normal, which is reassuring!  Ruth came in, with a stick, because she saw me looking to see if she were about.  She has broken and chipped ribs!

Joan and Alastair came early this afternoon and whilst they were talking to me, we heard a thump and Bill had fallen.  Alastair picked him up and got him back into bed!

The following day sees Grampa taken by ambulance to the South Hants Hospital in Southampton, because he has lost all feeling from the waist down.  There is much concern throughout the Family and amongst close friends.  Bob Fowler and his daughter Jill visit Gran to give moral support, and Gran is delighted to receive from them, “… some very gorgeous red Maple leaves from Tommy’s favourite tree”.  She presses them within the journal.  Further support is provided by Barry on the 6th, who, given the beauty of the day, suggests a drive up to Farley Mount, where Gran delights in the beautiful colours, especially of the fruiting Spindles there.

“… red maple leaves from Tommy’s favourite tree.”

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 180)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 179)

November 14, 2021 By Rick Goater 4 Comments

Stonehenge – not what it once was; Gran hides her ailments; Grampa – a last trip to Farley Mount; an obliging Home Help; two Redstarts in the garden; a communication from the Arctic; Granny Pickford is 100, and farewell to “Tommy” Fowler;

Book 227

On September 10th 1986, after the Nurse has visited The Ridge to check on Grampa, and Gran understanding that things are “somewhat easier”, she goes on the Club outing to Marlborough, having “something of a scramble to be ready…”

Gran describes all she sees on the coach journey, including:

We stopped at Stonehenge at 2.45 for twenty minutes but I did not leave the coach as I have been to the monument many times since my teens when access was freely available with no fences or circling pathways.  I did not want a cup of tea or an ice cream at this time.

Stonehenge – access no longer freely available.  Image by Stanley Zimny via Flickr.
[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 179)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 178)

November 7, 2021 By Rick Goater Leave a Comment

Pulmonaria – not found; an unexpected First Day Cover; trips to Arundel and Lulworth; two creditable performances; Gran crawls downstairs; a Royal Wedding; a kind gentleman; travels in the North; Grampa is taken ill; news from Fin; a day at Marwell Zoo, and difficult times ahead.

It’s May 14th 1986 and more memories are brought to the fore for Gan three days later when she walks to the Club for its usual afternoon meeting:

Miss Wise, late Headmistress of Sherborne House School, who, when an assistant to her Mother, taught Barry and Jane to read, entertained us with poems she had written after her retirement.  I had a chat with her and she was pleased to hear news of Barry and Jane, and quite amazed that their children are grown up and Barry a grandfather!

Barry himself is in Chandler’s Ford at this time and he and his Mother, in spite of wet weather, make the now rather rare journey into her beloved New Forest, to look for flowers and birds.  They have a lovely time there and on the nearby coast, although failing to find a rare plant of particular significance to her upsets Gran:

We went first to look for [Narrow-leaved] Lungwort Pulmonaria longifolia in its usual habitat near Beaulieu but to our horror, there was no sign of it.  Council workers, I presume, had thrown large quantities of thick mud right over the ditch and bank where it had flourished for years.

Narrow-leaved Lungwort – the New Forest speciality that Gran loved and tried to see every springtime. Image by peganum via Flickr.

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 178)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 177)

October 31, 2021 By Rick Goater 2 Comments

Another wetting during a visit to the Brenans; an “extraordinary letter”; last show at the Gaumont; kindness at the V.G.; a 50th Anniversary; farewell to Joan Spurgin; Tom on the telly; Barry’s new book; news from Scotland; Katie’s new “bloke”; solitude at St Cross, and Pitcairn Island – “where Daddy used to have dealings with the Islanders”.

Christmas is looming and on breezy December 21st 1985 Gran, as always, has made presents for her great friends, the Hardings in Merdon Avenue.  She writes:

… I took Mary’s posy and other gift, and calendar for Granny Pickford [Mary’s Mother], and walked through the pinewood to avoid as much of the wind as possible.  Both recipients were delighted and especially Mary with her innovation.  I did not stay long but met Mary’s brother George, and Frank brought me home.  He is able to play some golf again, I was pleased to hear.

Christmas in is spent with daughter Jane and family at Longton, near Preston and close to the Ribble marshes. On arrival there, Gran is touched to find that Jane, “… has given me her room, to be convenient for my comfort just across the landing.  We were late retiring…”

Joan Adelaide Goater - her journal about Chandler's Ford.

Dec 24th provides an evening of television programmes, before they attend a local Church for Midnight Service – a new experience for Gran. Gran lists the programmes: The Slipper and the Rose; Benjamin Luxman and Aled Jones in a musical one; and Rush, the Fallow Deer, by John and Simon King.  This was followed by Charles and Diana, a Working Year, and then Val Doonigan [sic]. Gran notes that the Church they attend is where Judy usually goes and she adds, “I had earlier met Judy and found her very nice indeed”. [Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 177)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 176)

September 26, 2021 By Rick Goater Leave a Comment

Not impressed by trendy worship; unwell but still gardening; disappointment after a dream; a proud day; two “wretched” warblers; a week in Cornwall; Julian runs a marathon; a nasty fall; Gran sends flowers; Grampa needs an operation and Halley’s Comet is overhead.

Gran does not feel well on September 1st 1985 – she often feels sick and unable to eat, has troublesome back pain and sometimes is very sleepy.  After a two-hour afternoon sleep this Sunday, and not eating owing to a prolonged bout of acute hiccups, she watches television but finds it disappointing at first, saying this:

“Songs of Praise” [came] from the Greenpeace Festival and consisted of all pop versions of worship, appealing only to youngsters who were wound up to such a frenzy of clapping, dancing and arm waving, which left me wondering if it were a great love of God or only of Pop “music”.  A later programme about English silk was very interesting and enlightening.

Her ailments, considered by stoical Gran as simple inconveniences, rarely prevent her doing what she wishes, so, on September 17th:

This afternoon I gardened for just over an hour, weeding more of the Crocus – Cyclamen bed, which was made difficult by the presence of many minute new cyclamen seedlings, with only one tiny leaf showing amongst the moss and the insidious Sheep’s Sorrel.  I also dug up some Brambles, Goutweed and Ivy, after which I was very tired and came in and slept for close on an hour.

The “insidious Sheep’s Sorrel”.  Image by Odd Wellies via Flickr.
[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 176)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 175)

September 19, 2021 By Rick Goater Leave a Comment

A canal trip; the Falklands Fallen – remembered; a visit to Swithun Wells School; Sherborne House – 50 years old; woodworm in the furniture; orchids on Shawford Down; Gran is sent flying; farewell Josie; Gran flies a kite, and Grampa – not well.

Gran has joined several coach tours, mainly to the West Country, in recent months, organised through her Club.  She enjoys noting the passing scenery and wayside flowers but is often frustrated by stops for refreshments and shopping.  She usually wanders off on her own at these times.

On June 12th 1985 there is a half-day outing into Berkshire, which includes a canal trip:

We went over a level crossing towards Hampstead Marshall where the Kennet and Avon Canal was our stopping area… Our barge, the Avon, was awaiting us and after we embarked, I learnt that it was purpose-built for these excursions but on the traditional narrow-boat principle though now is a motor barge and not horse-drawn as originally… The windows were large with seats all round and a little shop and bar at one end.  I bought a little ribbon plate for Ruth, a thimble with our barge on it for Sue, a booklet, “On the Kennet and Avon” and a biro for myself.

Gran bought a postcard depicting the Avon.

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 175)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 174)

September 5, 2021 By Rick Goater 3 Comments

Rob wins a chess tournament; “nobody wants to go away with an old woman”; observations on a Rook; a last flower painting?; a lovely day; an outing with Ruth; a talk by Roy Lancaster; a memory of Italy; “life is difficult just now”, and the Mayor tells Gran she’s been busy.

March 2nd 1985 is not a pleasant day for Gran: there is some domestic conflict and she writes:

After an unpleasant morning of continual complaints, I spent the afternoon in my room, wishing to be alone in tranquil and quiet surroundings.  I mostly read Arthur Marshall’s book. “Life’s Rich Pageant” and had a short nap.  This evening more reading and listening to the radio and, later I stuck in today’s cutting about Julian.

The cutting is from The Daily Telegraph concerning Julian’s decision not to run in the National Cross Country Championships, owing to a heavy cold. But the following day, after the race is run, she is pleased to read in The Sunday Telgraph that the first eight home in yesterday’s National Cross Country have been chosen for the England team, “plus Julian Goater who has been so consistent always”. [Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 174)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 173)

August 29, 2021 By Rick Goater Leave a Comment

A Club Christmas dinner; “disgusting behaviour” by Connors; Christmas with the neighbours; a “superb boy soloist”; Adrian -remembered; bitter weather; radiotherapy for a fortnight; red and black Adders; along the River; a Tristan cardigan, and some antiques.

It is December 14th 1984, “My driver”, Gran writes:

… called for me at 10.15 this morning to take me to hospital again to have part of the spot cut out for analysis… the operation, under local anaesthetic, did not take too long and I was home by 12.20.  I had taken ham rolls in case I was much later, but had one after soup at home.  I am perfectly well and am to see Dr Charlewood on Wednesday or Thursday to have the stitches out.

Gran and some other Club members are picked up by coach in Kingsway for transporting to their Christmas dinner on the 15th, and Gran has clearly managed to produce the required floral table decorations, asked for at short notice.  She writes:

… as I stood with the table decorations, a lady came and asked me if they were for sale, and another, who lives over the wine shop, and knows Ruth, said she had seen a copy of my “Te Deum”, [recently read out at one of her Club meetings] which Mrs Burton has and she wanted to know if she might read it to a prayer meeting to which she goes.  I gave her permission…

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 173)

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Andy’s Story – Part 2 – Stories from Beechcroft

August 23, 2021 By Andy Vining 5 Comments

Photo by Andy Vining

Hello again, thank you for all the lovely compliments I received for my first Chapter.

This is not Chapter 2 as promised but more Part 1: Andy’s Story – Part 1: Early Years, Hiltonbury Farm, and… My Old Morris as I have just returned from a visit to Devon where my older sisters Jennifer and Janet live and in conversations with them I have more to add to part 1.

My sisters’ memories about our Grandparents

My Father’s Mother died quite young. Jennifer thinks she died in the Sanatorium, a TB hospital in Chandler’s Ford just off Cuckoo Bushes Lane. It has been knocked down and the area is all houses now.

My Father’s Father was the gardener at Hiltonbury and my Father’s mother married him and it was terrible to marry beneath her. It seems that all the family except her Brother George Beattie disowned her but Uncle George was very kind to her.

The Beattie Family outside Hiltonbury
The Beattie Family outside Hiltonbury

Uncle George was the Farmer at Hiltonbury, who took my Father in after both my Father’s parents died and brought him up as his own son, sending him to Peter Symonds School in Winchester.

What an achievement! Cycling 15 miles a day for school.

Father used to ride there every day on his bike all the way from Chandler’s Ford to school, and that’s about seven and a half miles. I agreed there was no traffic in those days but all the same fifteen miles a day and the roads were not up to much either.

I presume he would cycle up Hursley Road to The Pound, go right through Hursley, past his Cousin’s Norman Coopers place – North End Farm,  and along through Standon to Winchester, then Chilbolton Avenue to Bereweeke Road and so to College.

What an achievement, rain and shine, hot and cold, along, not roads as we know them today but probably tracks some of the way. Amazing. You would not get the youth of today doing that. It’s even a long way to go in a car, probably take as long today with all the traffic as well!

Now back to Cantley in Wokingham where I was born, there are a couple of fuzzy photographs of me in a pram and sitting on the lawn having something to eat, also a photograph of Mr Watson who was the owner of the farm where my Father was the bailiff / manager.

Me aged 2 - Andy Vining
Me aged 2 – Andy Vining

[Read more…] about Andy’s Story – Part 2 – Stories from Beechcroft

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 172)

August 8, 2021 By Rick Goater 4 Comments

Pacified by stamps; transport to Church – briefly; Lou Meadon is 89; Jane – “back in the bushes” after some successful golf; in demand for flower arranging; Granny Pickford is 98; Barbara Hillier’s book – published; grave news of Tommy; whist drives – surprisingly stressful; an uplifting “God bless you”; the Kingston girls do well, and an appointment at the “South Hants”.

Book 215

At home at The Ridge on September 29th 1984, Gran does not hear the early arrival of the postman and coming downstairs finds:

… there was a Post Office card on the mat, saying that it had not been possible to deliver a registered package and it must be signed for and collected from the Post Office in Eastleigh.  So I had to go there this morning but I was pacified when I found that it was stamps and coloured postcards from Tristan da Cunha.  The stamps were featuring the constellations in “the night sky at Tristan da Cunha” and, as always, are very attractive.  Also mentioned in the bulletin was the cottage craft of knitting garments from native Tristan wool, and those collecting the stamps are offered the chance of purchasing them.  I have ordered a cardigan but it will be months before it comes.  There was a Speckled Wood flying about in the sunshine…

The Tristan stamps, franked and un-franked – “as always, very attractive”.

Gran has not forgotten the presumed theft of her painting of an Early Spider Orchid while it was on show a few years ago, but she still remains pleased to be able to exhibit some of her work in order to raise money.  On October 2nd:

In the Parish Magazine (Compton) today there was an appeal for funds for urgent repairs to the 800 year old Church, so I phoned Mr Ovenden to ask if he thought enough parishioners would be interested in seeing my paintings.  I explained there would be some difficulty as, since one was stolen when I lent them out some time ago, Barry has said they must not go out of the house.   Mr Ovenden thought it a splendid idea and he agreed to give some thought to it.  He is going to pick me up or arrange for someone else to, for the Family Service in Church at 10 a.m. on Sunday and once monthly in future.  I shall feel better if I can go.

And a few days later:

… Mr and Mrs Paris, from Shawford, kindly called and said they would gladly call for me at 10 o’clock on Sunday morning to take me to Church and bring me home again.  Mr Paris has recently retired from the Solicitors Paris, Smith and Randal, who looked after Aunt Em’s affairs.  A very nice couple indeed..

In the “Echo” was a picture of Lou [Meadon], unrecognisable at 89 and dressed in an embroidered blouse and now living at Fleming House Home.  After having known her always in a black costume and hat, summer and winter, she now looked to be another person.  I wrote to Barry and Jane Elizabeth and sent this cutting…

Lou Meadon – seemingly known to everybody and well-remembered in Chandler’s Ford.  Image courtesy of Eastleigh History.

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 172)

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Andy’s Story – Part 1: Early Years, Hiltonbury Farm, and… My Old Morris

August 6, 2021 By Andy Vining 7 Comments

A similar car to the old Morris

Having been asked to write some articles for Chandler’s Ford Today I thought for ages where to start and what to tell.

My Mother and Father had got married in around 1938 and my sister Jennifer was born on the 6th of Feb 1939, followed in 1941 by Janet, then the son that they craved (or so I was informed) dutifully arrived on 6th April 1943. I am told there were air raids while in the nursing home and I was shoved under the bed in a basket a number of times it seems.

Mum and Dad's wedding Circa 1938 (Photo by Andy Vining)
Mum and Dad’s wedding Circa 1938 (Photo by Andy Vining)

Not that I am into the stars but it reports that people who are born on the 6th of April in 1943 have an astrological sign of Aries ♈. Aries’ life pursuit is the thrill of the moment and a secret desire to lead the way for others. People of this zodiac sign like taking on leadership roles, physical challenges, individual sports and dislike inactivity, delays, and work that does not use one’s talents. The strengths of this sign are: courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate. OK on most of that but not so sure about the physical challenges bit!! [Read more…] about Andy’s Story – Part 1: Early Years, Hiltonbury Farm, and… My Old Morris

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 171)

August 1, 2021 By Rick Goater 4 Comments

The highs and lows of being a Gran; Lady Wimbledon Champions; a Club holiday in Buxton; Prince Andrew -“a serious young man”; worries about Geoff; 80th birthday celebrations; a rapt silence as Gran reads; recollections passed to the Hilliers; good and bad behaviour at the Olympics; another Royal Prince is born, and a pleasant surprise at the VG.

Book 213

June 23rd 1984 Gran calls “A day of extreme emotions, starting most pleasurably and ending in great disappointment.”

Barry phoned and the Family has been making great efforts for my eightieth birthday celebrations and they can all manage the Monday 23rd July, the day after (except Andrew, who will be in Norway), and Julian and Sue want it at their house, Sue specially wanting to do the catering.  Barry and Jane go to France at 6 o’clock the next morning and will stay at Farnham on the Monday night and no-one will actually be here on my birthday.  That will not matter…

… but it was athletics that caused my heartache and disappointment.  Julian did run, but the 10,000 metres started late and only the early laps were shown and the introducer said the result would be given on the News at 5.55.  I became more and more nervous and was shattered when it was announced that Julian again ran third and did not qualify for the Olympic Games.  This is the second time he has missed out… I watched Val Doonigan’s [sic] show without my usual enthusiasm and enjoyment and have retired sick at heart for Julian.

Gran was an avid watcher of Val Doonican on television, though she never spelled his name correctly.  She preferred him to most of his guests. Image courtesy of Alwyn Ladell via Flickr.

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 171)

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 170)

July 11, 2021 By Rick Goater Leave a Comment

Grateful memories of Adrian; the death of a favourite author; belated advice for Chris Evert; Julian bids again for the Olympics; Rick, with birds, on the telly; Andy – a scholarship to Oslo; a great day in East Anglia; signs of age; enchanted by a little girl at the Lake; a kind response to a donation; the “guttersnipe”, John McEnroe; Gran meets Zola Budd, and has a fall.

Book 210

It is 1984 and on January 12th, that most significant day in Gran’s life, she writes:

Julian is thirty-one today and I wish him very many happy returns of his birthday and a long life of happiness and success.

It is also thirty-seven years today since you, Adrian, my dear, passed out of this life and left me desolate but with grateful and happy memories and you have been in “my” life for ever since. You increased my love of nature and inspired me to paint the wild flowers that brought us together in spirit though we never met in person.  Julian is very special to me, not only because he was my first grandchild but because he came on the sixth anniversary of your passing and eased the pain in my heart…  It has been a lovely sunny day…

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 170)

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Cancer Ward – My Story

July 3, 2021 By Mike Sedgwick 8 Comments

Cancer Ward

Half of us will have cancer at some time in our lives. By far the most common is prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women. These exceed lung, bowel, ovary and testicular cancers by a factor of 2 or more.

I never asked for a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, but I got one anyway when my GP checked me over one day. The result was high, so did I mind if he did a rectal examination. I said it would be OK if he promised not to enjoy it any more than I would.

Image via kaboompics
Image via kaboompics

‘You’ve got cancer there. It’s a decent-sized lump but still in the prostate, hasn’t spread. We’ll zap it with radiotherapy; surgery is not a sensible option. It’s 99% curable for five years, and you might die of something else in the meantime.’ My doctor is a straight-talking man, I was pleased not to be offered surgery. When I was a junior doctor, I assisted in prostatectomy operations and looked after the patients afterwards. I was called up most nights to deal with blocked catheters or excessive bleeding. Later on, many of the men suffered urinary infections and other complications. [Read more…] about Cancer Ward – My Story

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Tags: awareness, cancer, education, family, health, hospital, science, storytelling

My Adventure in Wales – Zip World Velocity 2

June 29, 2021 By Andy Vining 7 Comments

A zip wire adventure in Wales - Andy Vining.

I’m sharing the video of my adventure in Wales recently.

I went up there to stay in a farm cottage for a week with my wife and daughter. My wife Val has Parkinson’s disease so it was a good change of scenery for her for a few days and it was the Thursday of our Holiday that we ventured out to Zip World.

A zip wire adventure in Wales - Andy Vining.
A zip wire adventure in Wales – Andy Vining.

I had booked in the date and time some day before so we arrived and I got my wife settled into the very nice restaurant there and the staff said they would look after her while I went on my adventure. [Read more…] about My Adventure in Wales – Zip World Velocity 2

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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 169)

June 13, 2021 By Rick Goater 1 Comment

Still painting flowers; too much Ovett and Coe; both, acceptable and dull entertainments at the Club; disappointment at Symond’s Yat; the Kingston girls do well; Mrs Holley needs a shove; a new great grand-daughter; depressed by local developments, and the sad death of Barbara Smith.

Book 207

Gran is shopping on July 20th 1983:

This afternoon I went to Winchester… and whilst there looked for my art shop, which had disappeared.  On enquiring for materials elsewhere, I was told that there was an art shop in the Romsey Road, and here was able to get a tube of Sap Green paint and two no. 2 sable brushes.  The lady in charge told me that the other shop had gone bankrupt five years ago.

Sap Green paint.  How many tubes did Gran get through during her painting of about 700 flowers?  Image by Ben via Flickr.

[Read more…] about Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal (Part 169)

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Tags: Ann Mallinson, Chandler's Ford, Chandler's Ford Today, family, Hiltingbury, Hiltingbury Road, history, Joan Adamson, Joan Adelaide Goater, Julian Goater, local interest, memory, nature, writing
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Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

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History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

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