Jill Mayes has taken these lovely photos from her walk today in Chandler’s Ford.
Do you remember Fordy? It’s lovely to see some spring colours there. We wrote about Fordy before in 2016. You can read about Fordy here: Wooden Train Built by Eastleigh Men’s Shed Arrived at Chandler’s Ford Station.
On April Fools’ Day 2019, I had the following letter published in the Daily Telegraph:
Sir,
Every lawn in my road has been devastated by crows frantically digging for chafer grubs. The day they started on my lawn I ordered two hundred and fifty children’s windmills and placed them over the entire grassed area of my front garden. That was five months ago and not one crow has ventured into our garden and our grass has flourished. These colourful windmills are a great source of entertainment for families walking up and down the street – one or two have even spread into neighbouring gardens.
Having had success, I decided to harness the potential of each windmill by modifying them to become miniature wind turbines, interconnecting them and linking them to the National Grid. The power that is generated reduces the cost of my electricity bill by approximately 25%.
In these challenging Brexit times when we all have to become more self- sufficient, I offer this simple, yet effective scheme to save your readers money – and to fend off crows.
Sincerely,
[Read more…] about Keeping us Cheerful – the Windmills of my Mind
Chalvington Road in Chandler’s Ford has some fantastic Christmas lights and decorations. The neighbourhood has come together and illuminated the road.
Our friend Jill Mayes has shared these photos with us that she has taken on her walks. She particularly loves the lit up village which had falling snow in the window.
Take a walk along Chalvington Road and see if you can spot the 12 Days of Christmas.
The 12 Days of Christmas are all different – it could be a picture in a window, or something in a front garden. It could be big or small. The trail went live at 6pm on Saturday December 5th, and will run until Christmas Day.
Take your time and enjoy the lights on Chalvington Road.
[Read more…] about Chalvington Road, Chandler’s Ford – 12 Days of Christmas Trail
Romsey Plaza Theatre launched its first ever CrowdFunding event this Monday to raise money to cover its box office losses due to Covid.
Over the past 6 months, the Plaza has been closed and we have had virtually no income. We need your help to ensure that the Plaza is able to continue covering our basic overheads. In conjunction with the Theatres Trust and their #SaveOurTheatres initiative, we have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds which will make sure that our theatre continues to operate safely through the lockdown and for years beyond. [Read more…] about #SaveOurTheatres – Plaza Theatre Romsey
Yesterday I drove past the Fryern Arcade, and could see lots of people outside Costa Coffee.
At the Central Precinct, I also saw a tent outside Up & Running running shop. I was quite pleased, so went to check if my trainers had arrived. I had ordered a pair of trainers a week before lockdown, so have been waiting for the shop to reopen.
[Read more…] about Shops Reopening – Support Local Businesses in Chandler’s Ford
Steve Allen has shared these videos, in which he captured some happy moments in the neighbourhood of Chandler’s Ford during the lockdown. These included music on Thursday evenings, and a piper playing for a neighbour’s birthday.
With Steve’s permission, we are sharing these on Chandler’s Ford Today.
1 – Malcolm the Piper was playing for a Scottish lady on her birthday.
[Read more…] about Music in Chandler’s Ford during Lockdown: “Love thy neighbours is so true”
Lakewood Road decided to have a socially separated street party yesterday for VE75. I replied to the invitation and said I was at an original VE day party. Several people expressed an interest in the comments so I thought Chandler’s Ford Today might like to see them. As it turns out, I am not the only one who attended an original party.
[Read more…] about VE Day 75 in Chandler’s Ford – Memories of the Original VE Day
Calling all knitters & crafters!
Southampton District Methodist Church has had a direct plea from one of the hospital chaplains for mask extenders.
Recently some mask extenders were taken to a particularly hard-hit ward and they were very well received. This is a plea district-wide to help all our local hospitals. Below is a poster with instructions.
[Read more…] about Can you help? Making Mask Extenders to Help the NHS
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).
[Read more…] about 26 Songs Medley – Fundraising for Methodist Homes (MHA)
Reasons to Be Cheerful was the title of a song by Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Strictly speaking, it was Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3. It was part of the soundtrack to my teenage years.
Naturally the song is upbeat (and there is a poetic feel to this too. Another great one for writing poetic lyrics is Ray Davies of The Kinks. I think Waterloo Sunset is a fabulous, evocative song).
Following on from my Murphy’s Law for Readers last week, I thought it would be good to have a reminder of some reasons we have to be cheerful.
As you may already be aware, I support Marie Curie and chair the local Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford Fundraising Group. Thank you to everyone who has generously supported our activities in the past.
Marie Curie are experiencing very challenging times both in delivering services for people with terminal illnesses and with ongoing fundraising during the coronavirus pandemic.
Every March the Charity raises millions of pounds with the Great Daffodil Appeal. Most of this was lost because of the current situation. Also the Marie Curie shops have had to close.
I realise that many Charities are asking for help at this time and you may be supporting one or more of those. However in light of this critical situation, I am reaching out to you on behalf of Marie Curie to ask for your help.
Every day and night, Marie Curie Nurses and frontline staff give vital support to dying people and their families, in their homes and in hospices across the UK. At this time of national emergency, when the NHS is being put under extreme strain, these crucial services are needed more than ever.
[Read more…] about Coronavirus Emergency Appeal for Marie Curie
First livestream service from St Boniface at 10am this morning, led by the Rev’d Ian Bird (Vicar).
“We have set up a team of volunteers who make up a Crisis Care Team. They offer practical help to those who are self-isolating. Help can involve essential shopping, posting letters and/or regularly chatting on the phone.
If you need help, please contact Suzie in the Parish Office (8026 5977) or email: office@parishcf.church
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.
If you could help with any of the above, please email Suzie at office@parish.church (Tel: 023 8026 5977). As more people self-isolate there will be an increasing need for this scheme, so please do sign up to help if you are able.
[Read more…] about First Livestream Service from St Boniface Church; Crisis Care Team
It’s an anxious time to every one of us. Shops are closed. Events are cancelled. Schools are to shut. Church services stop. Supermarkets are stripped bare. A few weeks ago you might have asked yourself, “What should I be giving up for Lent this year?” Well it’s clear that you’ve given up a bit more than you had thought.
If any resident want more information on the virus please see the Government and the NHS websites:
Here is a brief update from Rev’d Ian Bird on Chandler’s Ford Parish’s response to the latest developments of the Coronavirus.
“Sadly we are having to stop all our church services and activities, but we are not stopped being church. We ae not stopping being a faith community. And we are not stopping loving and caring for those around us. We’re just going to be church in a different way for this season.”
The Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford announces that “Due to Church of England guidelines all public worship is currently suspended. However, please …to see how we can still support you practically, emotionally and spiritually, including information on live streams of the Sunday service.”
Here are some great events in the coming weeks in Chandler’s Ford.
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.
[Read more…] about Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford February – March 2020
Dear Supporters,
It’s that time again to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the New Year ahead. Sat here at the Eastleigh Basics Bank reflecting on 2019 for me brings a real sense of thankfulness, pride in our community and also hope for more in 2020.
It’s remarkable to me that when the local churches gathered a small group of volunteers to start a local food bank in 2011, nearly 9 years later we have now not only fed 18,500 people for a week, but continue to operate entirely through the hard work and dedication of volunteers! They are to my mind an amazing group of individuals, who faithfully give of their time, week in week out all year round to support those in our community facing very difficult circumstances.
[Read more…] about Support Eastleigh Basics Bank – Helping Local People in Crisis
The joint charities Christmas Market in Chandler’s Ford last weekend didn’t disappoint. The market is now in its 46th year, but the passion never seems to fade over time. You see the same people running the market, and you see familiar faces supporting their chosen charities and informing people about the work that they do, and why they need your donation and support. More and more visitors come to the market each year as the market is such a beautiful Chandler’s Ford Christmas tradition.
I like the warmth and friendliness of the market so much that I go there each year to see old friends, and meet friends for coffee at Dovetail Café afterwards. It’s the sort of market where you have no chance of breaking the bank, and you can buy affordable thoughtful little gifts, stocking fillers, some nice pens and notebooks, little torches, storybooks, toys, and some really good quality Christmas cards.
The market this year was opened by former Eastleigh Mayor Councillor Jane Welsh. The Joint Charities Annual Christmas Market was held at the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church Hall. These were the charities that took part.
[Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 46th Christmas Market 2019
The Fairtrade shopping evening at St Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury last Friday was successful and enjoyable. Many people attended and had an opportunity to buy a variety of high quality fairtrade products to support disadvantaged producers and workers in the developing world.
Fairtrade events encourage us to be ethical consumers and raise awareness of trade justice.
[Read more…] about Fairtrade Shopping Evening 2019 – Buy Fairtrade and Make a Difference
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.
[Read more…] about Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford: October to December 2019
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.
[Read more…] about From Elvis to Refugees (and Christmas) – Upcoming Events in Chandler’s Ford
The Hiltingbury Extravaganza is back on the 22nd September on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground from 12.00 noon to 5.30pm.
This year the new Pavilion creates a welcome addition to the events activities and enables the local community to take a look at the excellent facilities on offer throughout the year from both The Hilt and The Pavilion. [Read more…] about The Hiltingbury Extravaganza: 22 September on Hiltingbury Recreation Ground from 12 noon
