Written by Graham Jackson
ITCHEN VALLEY PROBUS CLUB PART 3
In the first two articles of this series I looked at the history and formation of Probus Clubs, how and why Itchen Valley Probus Club (IVPC) was created, the first 30 years or so of the Club, and I touched also on current activities. In this final article of the series I look more at present activities and towards the future.
[Read more…] about Itchen Valley Probus Club (IVPC) – Part 3
Written by Graham Jackson
ITCHEN VALLEY PROBUS CLUB PART 2
In the first of this short series of articles about Probus, I looked primarily at the origins of the worldwide movement, and touched on Itchen Valley Probus Club (IVPC). This time I look at the creation of IVPC and track it through to 2025. The final article will look at 2026 and beyond for IVPC.
In August 1988 the President of the Rotary Club of Itchen Valley felt there may be a need for another Probus Club in this area. His feeling was based on the successful promotion and subsequent establishment of a new Club in Alresford, and the knowledge that the existing Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford Probus Club had 60 members, and a waiting list.
[Read more…] about Itchen Valley Probus Club (IVPC) – Part 2
Written by Graham Jackson
This is the first in a short series of articles about Probus, a movement which began over sixty years ago, and, more specifically the local Itchen Valley Probus Club (IVPC) formed in 1989.
The Probus Club movement can be traced back to the mid-1960s, perhaps specifically to Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club whose President is believed to have organised a Coffee Morning for his retired friends. The was successful enough for him to form a luncheon club and the rest, as someone once said, is history. From the outset, Rotary Clubs have historically taken a pivotal role in the development of many Probus Clubs, including IVPC.
Marie Curie is the U.K.’s leading end of life charity providing palliative care in people’s own homes through the famous Marie Curie nurses and support for all the family. This free service is for anyone with an illness of any kind that they are likely to die from.
They also provide bereavement support and financial advice, fund research into end of life care, and lead campaigns to influence government policy in this area.
Marie Curie can only continue to do all this by regular fundraising. Although a National Charity it is local people and their families who benefit. [Read more…] about Supporting Marie Curie – Great Local Contributions
Chandler’s Ford Parish Council invite residents to come together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8th May, at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground, from 8.45pm.
“With live music from Michelmersh Silver Band from 8.45pm, why not bring a chair and join us at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground. The Beacon will be lit at 9.30pm with reading of the official tributes. The evening will be closed by the singing of the hymn ‘ I vow to thee my country’ as performed by local resident Emily Blackledge, accompanied by Michelmersh Silver Band. Join us.” [Read more…] about VE Day 80 Celebrations in Chandler’s Ford – Thursday 8th May 2025
Dear readers, you must have seen many intriguing postbox toppers around Chandler’s Ford. They surprise us, delight us, and make us smile. A splash of colour; a creative design; a world re-imagined. For the past few years, the remarkable ladies (with some of their ‘helpers’) from Chandler’s Ford u3a have graced our streets and quiet lanes with their creations made with love and crafted with great skills. You may even feel a bit uplifted on a mundane trip to Asda, as the topper may remind you of an upcoming special celebration or a significant historical event, or its playful, whimsical nature may take you back to your childhood.
Credit: Special thanks to Sandra and Dave Claxton for providing the story and all the photographs in this article below.
Since the amazing response to our 25th Anniversary Postbox Toppers of 2023, our “Topper Ladies” have barely stopped in their endeavours producing themed Toppers for the King’s Coronation, Remembrance Week, Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Summer, the Olympics and were even asked to produce a Postbox Topper to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Eastleigh Borough last May.
[Read more…] about Who are the Mysterious Postbox Topper Ladies in Chandler’s Ford?
Have you heard of the Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt?
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight ‘Speak Their Name’ Suicide Memorial Quilt is a beautiful ongoing piece of art, created with love in memory of people lost to suicide by their bereaved friends and family. This project has been inspired by the quilts made in Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.
The Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford Fundraising Group for Marie Curie were delighted to enter a partnership with Thornden Hall last year to raise much needed funds.
Volunteers collected at Movie Nights at Thornden Hall Arts Centre at Thornden School in Chandler’s Ford raising £809.47 in the last 12 months.
Photos show Neil Daykin, Manager and Nicolette Lock for Marie Curie at a presentation of our Certificate of thanks at a recent Movie Night. [Read more…] about Marie Curie and Thornden Hall
Last year, a group of U3A folk was able to visit the HQ of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in Eastleigh. It was a fascinating visit as we were given a warm welcome, lots of information and practical advice.
One of the pieces of advice was a recommendation that we had a free Home Fire Safety Check visit to:
• identify any potential fire risks and discuss with the occupier how they can prevent or reduce the risk;
• ensure occupants have working smoke alarms, install where necessary and advise on maintenance and testing;
• ensure occupants have carbon monoxide detectors where needed, install if necessary and discuss the dangers;
• help put together a household escape plan and identify any mobility issues that may impede an evacuation;
• issue fire-retardant bedding, furniture throws and nightwear where needed;
• give basic advice on topics such as falls prevention and smoking.
I made the appointment and awaited my visit. I was told that if an emergency call coincided with my appointment, I’d need to be understanding – of course! But no emergency came and on time, two lovely fire officers (pictured) rolled up in the appliance. I don’t know what the rest of my street thought when they saw the appliance parked up! [Read more…] about The Fire Service Visits!
There are several lovely knitted postbox toppers in Chandler’s Ford. Thank you Chandler’s Ford u3a once again for sharing your creativity in the community.
[Read more…] about Thanks to Chandler’s Ford u3a sharing Easter joy
Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church has many events on – craft, puppet show, Christmas concerts and Christmas services, and many more.
From Monday to Saturday morning, the Dovetail Centre Café is open to all. It’s where you enjoy a nice cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee and breakfast, and you’ll find many lovely, friendly faces there. This is a place of friendship, kindness, and warmth. No one should feel lonely in the community.
[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church – an Out of the Ordinary Christmas
Thank you for the crafters who are getting in the Christmas spirit in a creative way – with knitted or crocheted postbox toppers across Chandler’s Ford.
Many locals have shared their joy on spotting these on social media.
One of them features the words Chnadlers Ford u3a.
[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Christmas Postbox Toppers on Display
“Mary and Joseph played with my Barbie dolls. But they didn’t have Santa hats to wear.” Alys, aged six, and her brother Jamie, three, were just two of the children who took part in the local Posada journey here in Chandler’s Ford. This annual event is become increasingly common in the weeks of Advent, as we prepare for Christmas.
The journey involves the nativity figures of Mary and Joseph, who will later adorn the crib in church during the Christmas season. The idea is that they make their way around the area, staying in people’s homes, usually for one night, before they move – or are moved – on. Families and individuals sign up for a roster so that the holy couple is passed from home to home each day. [Read more…] about The Posada Journey
Lest we forget.
You may have seen these beautiful crochet and knitted postbox toppers for Remembrance commemorations. They are on Ashdown Road and Bournemouth Road in Chandler’s Ford.
Thank you for those who made these. People have been talking about them and admiring them.
Chandler’s Ford Christmas Charities Market will be held in the Methodist Church Linkway on Saturday 11th November from 10 am to 12 noon, on Winchester Road. Please come along and support these charity stalls, each selling their own Christmas cards and other goods.
Twin Oaks Water Garden (as seen on BBC Gardeners World) is open on Saturday and Sunday 19/20 August for the last time this year.
This is part of the National Garden Scheme. Why not go and enjoy Syd and Sue Hutchinson’s garden and relax with a cup of tea and Sue’s home-baked cake? They also have the end of season plant sale where almost every plant is half price. And all money goes to charity.
Venue – 13 Oakwood Road, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 1LW. Open from 1pm to 5pm.
Images by Jill Mayes
[Read more…] about Twin Oaks Water Garden – Open one more day on Sunday 20 August
Knitted postbox toppers are appearing around Chandler’s Ford. Have you seen them? These have brought a lot of smiles.
Chandler’s Ford u3a is celebrating its 25th Anniversary by erecting 25 toppers in Chandler’s Ford. Thank you Jill Mayes for sharing these photos.
[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford u3a Celebrating 25th Anniversary
Did you know there is a Community Food Larder in Chandler’s Ford? It is located by the front door to the Hall of the Methodist Church facing Winchester Road. There are basic food and toiletries for anyone who just need a bit of help.
The cupboard is unlocked, and is open 24/7. If you need anything, or if you know of anyone who may need some help, please come to the larder and help yourself.
This morning I saw several church members fill up the larder, so I took a few photographs to show you what’s inside.
[Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford – Community Food Larder is Open to All
From the 23rd of July, Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church will be hosting a Food Larder at the front of the building.
This will provide basic food and toiletries in an emergency to anyone who needs them, 24/7.
[Read more…] about Community Food Larder at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church from 23 July
Recently a friend shared this poem by John Roedel. What an incredible poem. It moves me so deeply.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, I hope this poem gives you hope and comfort.
In the face of war, we feel helpless. We can’t do many things. Yet we can love. We can become a force of peace in the world. Thank you John Roedel for this beautiful, eloquent poem.
[Read more…] about A Poem by John Roedel – “In the face of war, I’m so small – yet, love is so big.”
