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History and Stories

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Image Credit:   Images created in Book Brush using Pixabay photos. One image taken by me, Allison Symes, at The Hilt Book Fair.

History is full of stories, which is one reason I love it. Of course, history is said to be written by the winners. There is truth in that but every so often someone will come along and come up with alternatives to the “orthodox” version. Josephine Tey did this in fiction regarding Richard III with her marvellous The Daughter of Time, which The Richard III Society credits as being a major reason for many people joining them.

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VE Day – Thursday 8th May 1945

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We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead – Winston Churchill.

VE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON, 8 MAY 1945 (MH 21835) HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret joined by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London on VE Day. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205021954
VE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN LONDON, 8 MAY 1945 (MH 21835) HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret joined by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London on VE Day. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205021954

Tuesday, May 8 th 1945, was an ordinary day. I was seven years old, and the only special event was that we had an egg for breakfast, a real egg, not dried egg powder, which came in
packets from America. When the newspaper dropped through the letterbox, mother picked it up.

‘The war is over,’ she cried, waving the paper high above her head. She rushed out into the street. ‘It’s over, the war is over,’ she shouted gleefully to an empty road. She gave me a hug and a kiss. ‘The war is over, it’s peacetime now.’ [Read more…] about VE Day – Thursday 8th May 1945

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VE Day 80 Celebrations in Chandler’s Ford – Thursday 8th May 2025

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VE Day - Thursday 8th May 2025 from 8.45pm at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground
VE Day 80 – Thursday 8th May 2025 from 8.45pm at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground

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

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Who are the Mysterious Postbox Topper Ladies in Chandler’s Ford?

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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.

The ladies who have brought us joy with their Postbox Toppers.
The ladies who have brought us joy with their Postbox Toppers.

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.

Eastleigh Borough Council's AGM at The Point, Eastleigh, on Monday 20th May 2024. The new Mayor Councillor David Pragnell was elected. Photo by Chris Balcombe for Eastleigh Borough Council. Chandler's Ford U3A created a postbox topper to celebrate 50 years of Eastleigh Borough Council.
Eastleigh Borough Council’s AGM at The Point, Eastleigh, on Monday 20th May 2024. The new Mayor Councillor David Pragnell was elected.
Photo by Chris Balcombe for Eastleigh Borough Council. Chandler’s Ford U3A created a postbox topper to celebrate 50 years of Eastleigh Borough Council.

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Becoming a Pilgrim of Hope – Christmas Message from Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford – 2024

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Written by Rev Deacon Paul Owen
St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church (part of the Catholic Parish of St Swithun Wells)
on behalf of Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford

We are well into December and our senses are full of the coming of Christmas. Whether it’s the Christmas lights springing up all over the area; the Christmas songs we hear all the time in shops or on the radio; the adverts on the TV encouraging us to buy more food and presents than we need. But this year, perhaps more so than in previous years, we prepare for Christmas in a world faced with difficult times. A world in which suffering, wars and political uncertainty are a greater threat than they have been for many years.

Image by NickyPe Christmas gifts and baubles via Pixabay

It got me thinking about what it is that is special for us as we approach another Christmas. What is it we look for at Christmas? For us Christians, this period of preparation for Christmas is called Advent. The central theme of Advent for all Christians is hope. But for each one of us, where do we find our hope this Christmas?
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Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 10th November 2024

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The service for Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford was lead by the Rev’d Duncan Hollands. Flags represented the British Legion, Scouting and Guiding.

Debbie Pearce from Debbie Pearce Photography has kindly shared unique photographs of the Remembrance Service at the Chandler’s Ford War Memorial with the community. It was held at the St. Boniface Church. Thank you Debbie.

Remembrance Sunday Service at St Boniface Church, Chandler's Ford
Remembrance Sunday, Chandler’s Ford 2024

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Beyond Beliefs by Sohail Husain: The Incredible True Story of a German Refugee, an Indian Migrant and the Families Left Behind

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After 6 years’ research, Chandler’s Ford resident Sohail Husain has published this remarkable book – Beyond Beliefs.

Beyond Beliefs is an incredible true story of a German refugee, an Indian migrant and the families left behind.

Now you can Meet the Author Sohail Husain, on Monday 24th June, at Dovetail Cafe at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, from 2pm to 4pm.

Meet the author from Chandler's Ford - Beyond Beliefs book written by Sohail Husain.
Meet the author from Chandler’s Ford – Beyond Beliefs book written by Sohail Husain.

This epic memoir recounts the compelling and extraordinary tale of Sohail’s parents and grandparents, whose lives were engulfed by four momentous events of the 20th century: the First World War, the Great Depression, the Partition of India and the Holocaust.

His parents were separated by birthplace, race, faith, language and age, but their common experience of unimaginable loss and upheaval ultimately brought them together in London.

Their love story was complicated and unconventional, but enduring. It is a testament to human spirit overcoming tragedy and adversity. [Read more…] about Beyond Beliefs by Sohail Husain: The Incredible True Story of a German Refugee, an Indian Migrant and the Families Left Behind

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The Role of Chandler’s Ford in the Run-up to D-Day

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Writer: Christine Clark
Photos: All crochets by Chandler’s Ford u3a.

On 6 June 1944, the long-awaited Allied landing in northern France began. Facing Hitler’s Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications, soldiers of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and other Allied nations landed on beaches in Normandy, beginning a campaign which lasted until 24 July 1944.  

Hitler and his generals had been expecting an invasion that year. However, the successful Operation Bodyguard, a military deception strategy, misled the Axis powers into believing that the invasion would be later in the year and further north-east, nearer to Calais. Instead, the Allied war planners had selected a 50-mile stretch of coastline in Normandy on five beaches codenamed Utah, Omega, Gold, Juno and Sword.

Crochets by Chandler's Ford u3a.
Crochets by Chandler’s Ford u3a.

A key part of the strategy of Operation Bodyguard was to hide the amount of troop buildup in southern England. Approximately 160,000 Allied soldiers had to be mustered, fed, watered and moved to their embarkation points without it being obvious to the Axis powers’ intelligence.

These muster points, or marshalling areas, spread right across the south coast of England. In our area, Marshalling Area C was central south Hampshire and included Southampton, Botley, Winchester, Chandler’s Ford, Hursley, Ampfield and Romsey. The closest embarkation point was Southampton docks, although there were others in the New Forest and Gosport. [Read more…] about The Role of Chandler’s Ford in the Run-up to D-Day

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History – Fact and Fiction

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Image Credits:- 
Images created via Book Brush using Pixabay photos. Some images directly from Pixabay. My book cover image from Chapeltown Books.

Earlier this month, I had the great pleasure and privilege of presenting to an online history group a PowerPoint on Josephine Tey (author of The Daughter of Time) and Philippa Langley (co-author, with Michael Jones, of The Search for Richard III: The King’s Grave, and, more recently, The Princes in the Tower, where she is sole author).

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Our Roman Road

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Recently I was at the public consultation for review of the proposed new development at Velmore Farm. While looking at the maps, I noticed that the site of a Roman road runs through the new development. So, when I was sending in my views on the new development (please ensure no flooding / make provision for GPs and dentists / how can the roads cope with the extra traffic?), I also asked if this historic road could somehow be conserved. There may not be much to be seen now, but I felt it was important it was at least signposted and not built upon.

So what was this road? Where did it go? [Read more…] about Our Roman Road

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Star of Wonder

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We read in Matthew’s Gospel that the magi observed the star at the nativity ‘at its rising’. Knowing this to be a sign fulfilling a prophecy of a Messiah’s birth, they followed it to Bethlehem. But what was this star? The last 2000 years has given us a feast of knowledge based on solid research, so that we are now in a position to unwrap the story of this wonderful and significant sign.

Star image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Star image by congerdesign from Pixabay

The most likely interpretation seems to be that this was a supernova [Read more…] about Star of Wonder

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Christmas Message by Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford – 2023

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‘Opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts…’ (Matthew 2:11)

I wonder what sort of gift-giver you are? Do you have creative ideas, effortlessly putting together fun, interesting and unique Christmas presents for your loved ones? Maybe you reflect on each person on your list and come up with perfectly personalised gifts? Perhaps you’re on the other end of the spectrum and pick up random items, in blind panic, on Christmas Eve? Most people are probably somewhere in the middle, working their way through a list of names and doing their best to find a meaningful gift.

Christmas gifts image by guvo59 via Pixabay

As I have been re-reading the Christmas story this year the above words from the bible have stuck in my mind. They come from the story of the wise men who found the baby Jesus at the end of their journey. Filled with joy they bowed down, paid homage and opened their treasure-chests, and offered him gifts… The wise men lived in turbulent times and were overwhelmed with joy in finding the new king who would rule with God’s justice and bring peace.

Willow tree nativity set - from Rev Hayley Richens
Willow tree nativity set – from Rev Hayley Richens

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70 Years of Selwood Christmas Tree in Chandler’s Ford

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Selwood Christmas tree 2023 - image by Jill Mayes
Selwood Christmas tree 2023 – image by Jill Mayes
Selwood Christmas tree 2023 - image by Jill Mayes
Selwood Christmas tree 2023 – image by Jill Mayes

When is Christmas coming? In Chandler’s Ford, it’s when the Selwood Christmas tree is up.

The Selwood Christmas tree has been lighting up Chandler’s Ford since 1953. It’s been 70 years. Thank you Selwood for doing this every year, and keeping this wonderful tradition alive for the joy of the local community. [Read more…] about 70 Years of Selwood Christmas Tree in Chandler’s Ford

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Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford 12th November 2023

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The service for Remembrance Sunday in Chandler’s Ford was lead by Rev Penny Thatcher. The Mayor’s representative was Counceller Bruce Tennent.

Debbie Pearce from Debbie Pearce Photography has kindly shared some photographs of the Remembrance Service at the Chandler’s Ford War Memorial with the community. She has captured pictures of the parade on Hursley Road and the service at St. Boniface Church. Thank you Debbie.

Remembrance Sunday - at St Boniface Church
Remembrance Sunday – at St Boniface Church
Chandler's Ford War Memorial
Chandler’s Ford War Memorial
Chandler's Ford War Memorial
Chandler’s Ford War Memorial

Credit: All photos Debbie Pearce Photography.

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Pure Nostalgia

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Last Century

Long ago, my little sister and I had a holiday with our parents and grandparents in Dunoon, Scotland. Grandfather loved things mechanical, steam-driven and related to the sea, so the opportunity to sail aboard the Waverley, a paddle-driven steamship, was as close to heaven as he could get on this earth. He bought tickets lasting a week and we sailed the Clyde with him every day.

From Dunoon, the Waverley set across to Wemyss Bay for more passengers, and the adventure began. We approached the Isle of Arran, a misty blue hillock on the horizon. Gradually, it resolved into a mountain of colour, green bracken on the lower slopes, replaced by yellow gorse and then purple heather over the top backed by the blue sky. At Lochranza, groups of young people disembarked to visit the Youth Hostel. Would I ever be old enough to be considered a youth and leave for an adventure on an island? I hovered between childhood and being a youth, wanting to be considered grown-up.

We sailed on to Campbelltown and then by bus to Machrihanish, where North Atlantic rollers dashed against the rocky shore. Against the wind, the roar of the waves and sea spray like a fog on the land, we held bags of chips in our hands and felt good to be alive.

In the gloaming, we sailed the smooth obsidian-black waters of Loch Fyne with mountains on either side. We had a feeling of space and stillness on the quiet waters. Sheep grazed the hillsides, and white-washed cottages dotted the shore.

Later that year, the Scottish Nationalists removed the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey and took it back to Scotland.

SS Waverley off Swanage image by Robert Mason CCO
SS Waverley off Swanage image by Robert Mason. CCO

Last Month

Seventy or more years passed, and my sister and I embarked, once more, on the Waverley but in Southampton. On a beautiful sunny day, our cruise took us to Portsmouth, Yarmouth, around the Needles to Freshwater Bay and back. [Read more…] about Pure Nostalgia

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Local newspaper report from different times

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While visiting a museum in New Zealand earlier this year, I came across this reproduction of a local newspaper report from 1925.  It is such a wittily written report, I thought it deserved a wider audience.  Who knew that once upon a time local newspapers were worth reading? [Read more…] about Local newspaper report from different times

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A Parish Newsletter from Days Gone By

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I recently had the opportunity to see the original of the St Boniface Monthly Parish Paper of March 1943. I was only allowed to handle it wearing gloves and then only briefly. Fortunately, its owner was kind enough to send me a scan of it, which I have read avidly, delighting in a piece of our parish history.

I imagine this was the forerunner of the parish magazine. It is just 4 pages, sized something near A5 (although in old imperial sizing, of course) and is priced 1d. There is a lot in it of interest to present-day readers.

The original of the St Boniface Monthly Parish Paper of March 1943.
The original of the St Boniface Monthly Parish Paper of March 1943.

It starts with an inspirational motto from Psalm 127 and then lists the names of the Vicar (Rev. Harold Fryer), churchwardens, PCC secretary and treasurer. It then outlines the Sunday services for the month. There are three services each Sunday with 8am Holy Communion and Evensong every Sunday, and Sung Eucharist and Mattins alternate Sundays.
The letter from the Vicar is next, where he encourages people to prepare for Lent. He also outlines his plans to change the schedule of Sunday services. [Read more…] about A Parish Newsletter from Days Gone By

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Getting Ready for the Coronation of King Charles III?

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The Coronation of King Charles III is fast approaching. Are you getting ready yet? Any street parties, tea parties… in Chandler’s Ford?

We have found these pretty knitted dolls on Bournemouth Road.

The Coronation of King Charles III 2023
Very creative way of celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III

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Mary’s Christmas Story – In Her Own Words

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MARY’S STORY

Oh, I’m so tired. I’m glad I’m able to ride some of the time on Eysl, our donkey, though I do have to walk some of the time, to give him a rest too. I hope we’re nearly there. My back aches and I’ve had some pains – I wonder if that’s the baby coming. I haven’t mentioned those to Joseph – I don’t want to worry him. He’s already worrying about where we‘ll stay when we reach Bethlehem, what with so many people on the road going for the census, like us.

I’m tired and I’m afraid. I’m afraid of what people say about me being pregnant and unmarried. Afraid that the shame will mean we can’t find anywhere to sleep tonight. Afraid of what having the baby – the Son of God – will mean for the family. Will Joseph and I be able to have a normal family life? I’m afraid of what the future holds for us all.

The Virgin in Prayer. Artist: Sassoferrato. © The National Gallery, London. Via Wikimedia.
The Virgin in Prayer. Artist: Sassoferrato. © The National Gallery, London. Via Wikimedia.

I do love Joseph. I already did, when we got betrothed. But then when I had to tell him I was with child, I was sure he’d want to walk away. He told me he thought he might, but without making too much of a fuss. But he didn’t, he said he’d stand by me and the baby. He told me he had a dream where an angel told him to take me as his wife, that what I’d said was true – that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit, that it’ll be a boy and we’re to call him Jesus. And that he’ll save people from their sins. I’m not sure how that last bit works – but we’ll see. I wonder if it’s what the prophets foretold all those years ago. Could he be the Messiah? My little baby? [Read more…] about Mary’s Christmas Story – In Her Own Words

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Christmas Angels – Churches Together in Chandler‘s Ford

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Belief in angels is common to many religions, and some recent research also shows some atheists admitting to believing in them. They are important in the Islamic tradition as well as Jewish and Christian faiths. Angels feature in popular culture, films, songs, and street art including works of Banksy. Some people believe in ‘guardian angels’ and others think of them more as messengers from God.

Bringing a little joy into Chandler's Ford community this Christmas through the knitted angels.
Bringing a little joy into Chandler’s Ford community this Christmas through the knitted angels.

At this time of year Christians think of the angels who brought messages to Mary and to Joseph, and those witnessed by shepherds; first a single angel bringing the good news of the birth of Jesus and then many, singing of peace on earth.

In these unsettled times, news of joy and peace are much needed and so Churches Together in Chandler’s Ford have combined to bring a little joy into our community this Christmas through the knitted angels that you will find popping up around the streets and public places in mid-December. [Read more…] about Christmas Angels – Churches Together in Chandler‘s Ford

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