I went to Hiltingbury Extravaganza this afternoon with my teenage son. It was a beautiful day. Hiltingbury was buzzing with excitement.
I took some photos to show you some interesting people and stalls that I saw today.
[Read more…] about Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2014 Chandler’s Ford
Have you ever tried chocolate and beetroot brownies? If not, you should – they are delicious. They’re fairly easy to bake. Here’s the recipe, based on my first attempt. I’ve made them a few times since and am now a bit more proficient.
You will need (apologies that the quantities are in continental measurements that no one over the age of 30 understands. Actually, that’s not true. People over the age of 30 do understand them, we just choose not to): [Read more…] about Chocolate and Beetroot Brownies
How often have you used a £50 note?
My guess is “not very often”. In fact, I’ve got one at home at the moment, and am not too sure what to do with it. The only time I’ve used them was an occasion when I needed to pay a cash deposit, and £50 notes was the easiest way to carry it.
My mother visited the UK recently and she [Read more…] about How Often Have You Used a £50 Note?
Yesterday Niki Jenkins from The Picture Framing Shop in Chandler’s Ford left a beautiful comment on a post I wrote five months ago.
She also sent me pictures of Teddy, their lovely shop dog, who is renowned and well-cuddled in Hiltingbury.
[Read more…] about The Picture Framing Shop: Meet Teddy The Shop Dog
I have just gone through a period of losing things. At least I hope I have gone through it and will not lose any more essential and valuable objects. Some years ago odd socks would appear and no matter where I looked the partner for it never turned up. After hanging around in my sock drawer for a while I would throw the sock away.
The next day the other one would turn up. [Read more…] about Lost and Found
I promised to give a breakdown of the costs of my holiday flying a glider.
The glider is a Duo Discus, 2 seater and near the top of the range in terms of performance.
I travelled down alone but came back together with my co-pilot and the glider in its trailer. [Read more…] about Gliding Holiday Costs
It is not only gliders we see flying at the airfield at Santa Cilia in Spain.
Here are four other types of flight.
The Spanish army brought their helicopter for the troops to practise abseiling down from 50 feet up. [Read more…] about Not Only Gliders
A clear blue sky with not a cloud is sight suggested a difficult day of soaring. Thermals are usually under clouds and if there are no clouds, are there any thermals and where are they?
Thermals are large bubbles of warmer air which rise from the ground. If you have ever watched a lava lamp you have an idea of how they work. Unlike a lava lamp you cannot see the bubble. [Read more…] about Soaring The Pyrenees
After a six-hour drive through France and Northern Spain beneath low cloud and many showers of rain, I passed Pamplona and the weather changed. The cloud broke up and the sun shone from a blue sky. The weather improved over the next 50 miles to Santa Cilia.
Met with my colleagues who sadly had not been able to fly as the wind was blowing at 27 knots [Read more…] about Sharing The Sky With The Vultures
I spoke to Ant Gardiner this afternoon before the Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade started.
Ant is only 38 years old. He is now the new District Commissioner of the Chandler’s Ford District Scouts, leading about 700 youngsters in Chandler’s Ford. Ant replaced Carolyn Darbyshire MBE, who took charge since 1999 and has built a successful team in Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Ant Gardiner: New Scouts District Commissioner
Holiday – No Holiday? That is the question.
All set to go gliding in the Pyrenees from a small airfield called Santa Cilia. We stay in the village in a typical stone Pyrenean house run by a wonderful lady called Toya. She looks after all the glider pilots and many pilgrims who are walking the trail to Santiago de Compostella. [Read more…] about Holiday – No Holiday?
“Oh, to be in Chandler’s Ford / Now that April’s there.”
(Sorry about that misquote, Mr Browning.)
Recently someone told me that Chandler’s Ford had no soul. He went by the name of Mephistophilis on the chat site. I asked him to define soul but he declined.
The soul must be in the gardens. [Read more…] about “Oh, To Be In Chandler’s Ford / Now That April’s There”
We took this cycle route from Eastleigh to Chandler’s Ford last Saturday.
From the centre of Eastleigh, cycle through the Pirelli Estate. Head for Tommy Green Walk, this brings you out onto Dew Lane. Cycle along Dew Lane a short way, then cut into the newest bit of the development (Tinning Road?)* to take you to Passfield Avenue, opposite the leisure centre (Fleming Park). [Read more…] about Cycling: Eastleigh – Chandler’s Ford
I took this photograph of a Pacific Gray Whale recently in the San Ignacio Lagoon off the coast of Baja, Mexico.
Gray Whales often approach the Panga (boat) when they want to seek human interaction. They are happy to be stroked and petted as they come alongside the boat. They will even tease with a splash, a spout of air or a head butt! [Read more…] about Eye Of The Pacific Gray Whale
Last week I sold my beautiful glider and feel sad about it. Now I have to find another one. Gliders are owned by syndicates of 2-12 people to share the expense. There are 3 of us and we decided we would like a dual seater rather than this single seat Ventus 2cT. We are currently negotiating for one.
It is not like selling a second hand car because there are no defects that can be hidden. [Read more…] about Selling Glider
Had a short walk by the Itchen today. Joined it behind the Travelodge on Twyford Road and walked downstream to Withymead Lock where a fallen tree blocks the path and the path itself disappears beneath the water.
Upstream as far as a railway bridge near Highbridge Road. [Read more…] about Short Walk By Itchen
This Chandler’s Ford community website has just had a facelift. As the creator, I am thrilled.
A few weeks ago, I received an email from Roger Clark, Trustee of Hiltingbury Community Centre:
“Wonder why though [Read more…] about Is Chandler’s Ford A Jaguar? Meet Roger Clark.
One of the traditional sounds of Christmas is that of church bells.
I’m not sure why it is a traditional sound of Christmas, as church bells are rung through the year – most Sundays, as well as other celebratory events such as weddings and christenings.
But as you hear the peal of bells drifting [Read more…] about The Art Of Bell Ringing
This is part two of Alan Page’s latest post: The Pomander: A Brief History.
Essentially, the way to make an Orange Pomander has not changed since Tudor times.
The main ingredients are still a fresh orange, whole cloves and cinnamon, [Read more…] about How To Make An Orange Pomander
