People blog about, talk about, write about and visit Fryern Arcade in Chandler’s Ford so there must be something good about it.
Shortly after Fryern was opened in 1967, Ian Nairn, an architectural journalist wrote in the Observer (October 8th 1967) about Fryern and compared it with a similar development, the Fairwater Centre, in Cwmbran, South Wales. [Read more…] about The Good and the Bad of Fryern Arcade
The joy of running Chandler’s Ford Today is that I get to know more people in the community.
We all want to find out about our community. We contribute to the discussions, and help each other research local history.
Chandler’s Ford resident Teresa Buckley recently contacted me as she needs to find out your views on the Fryern Arcade. [Read more…] about Have Your Say: Your View about Chandler’s Ford Fryern Arcade
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is the greatest of all Jane Austen’s works.
It is a blueprint for romantic comedy and Elizabeth Bennet remains one of my favourite literary heroines, being quick witted and intelligent at a time when that was not particularly welcomed. (It isn’t always welcomed now in some places, unfortunately). [Read more…] about Jane Austen: An Appreciation by Allison Symes
What has happened to Oakmount Road in Chandler’s Ford? It was closed for a week recently while a number of random strips of tarmac have been pasted in the roadway.
In some places they look quite reasonable – uniform straight lines, joined at right-angles: [Read more…] about What Has Happened to Oakmount Road?
Last Saturday (28th February 2015), Chandler’s Ford historian Barbara Hillier shared a poignant story of her great uncle Wilfred Herbert Hillier, who died on the 7th of October 1916 in action in France, aged only 30.
Barbara’s storytelling was linked with a unique memorial plaque, which was once lost, but was never forgotten.
It was a story about a conscientious objector who later changed his mind, his love for his family, [Read more…] about Barbara Hillier: Story of My Great Uncle Wilfred Herbert Hillier and His Memorial Plaque
You may not believe this but March is approaching.
In Chandler’s Ford, the highlight for March will be Worth a Fortune, a farcical comedy by Frances A Lewis, performed by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players.
Chandler’s Ford MDG Players will perform Worth a Fortune from Thursday to Saturday, 26th – 28th March 2015 at 7.30pm, [Read more…] about March 2015 Highlight: Comedy Worth a Fortune by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players
On the 7th of October 1916, 30-year-old Wilfred Herbert Hillier from Chandler’s Ford was killed in action in France. There was no known grave.
You’ll find Wilfred Herbert Hillier’s name on Chandler’s Ford War Memorial.
This post tells you the story of a lost and found plaque for Wilfred Herbert Hillier, [Read more…] about In Loving Memory of Wilfred Herbert Hillier
Chandler’s Ford Library provides us with books, music, and films, and yesterday, the library also brought us the most talented artists from The Sorting Office Studios in Eastleigh.
I’ve been following the artists around Eastleigh since last year and it was very lovely to see some of them again in Chandler’s Ford Library.
Residents of the Sorting Office Studios met the public [Read more…] about Inspiring Artists from the Sorting Office Studios Eastleigh
By Brenda Sedgwick
Will Self said, “Writing the book is the easy bit. When your writing is finished the real work starts.”
If you are publishing and marketing your book, would you like to meet with other writers in the area who are doing the same thing?
I am about to publish my book and think [Read more…] about How to Publish Your Book
Last weekend we watched The Wizard of Oz pantomime, performed by the Chameleon Theatre Company from Chandler’s Ford.
It was a hilarious show, directed by Geoff Dodsworth.
I interviewed the audience (er, my teenage son Ben, who did a review of The Ladykillers by the Chameleons last year). [Read more…] about Review: The Wizard of Oz by the Chameleons
Today Chandler’s Ford Today is going to honour one of our regular commenters with The Official Pedant Award.
The winner is Ruby.
Ruby has made 76 comments on Chandler’s Ford Today so far.
In the current Private Eye Issue (No. 1384, 23 January to 5 February 2015), Ruby (or better known as Ruby Barefoot) has made it to Pedantry Corner. [Read more…] about Ruby: Winner of the Official Pedant Award
A few days ago my wife and I had the pleasure of meeting up with Janet Williams and her husband at the Hiltonbury Pub, my old home, and we discussed the way Chandler’s Ford had grown over the years.
In the entrance hall of the pub there is a photograph of Hiltonbury taken from the air in about 1974 and Janet suggested that I took a photograph of it and put it on the blog with some descriptions of some of the buildings in the photographs so here goes. [Read more…] about History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse
My family farmed the North and South Millers Dale and surrounding areas for over 100 years living in Hiltonbury Farmhouse until 1976.
On the 6th of May in 2012, my family gave a picnic table and benches at the corner of North Millers Dale (off Hursley Road) to the NMDCA (North Millers Dale Community Association), unfortunately the little plaque attached to the table was removed some time ago.
Vining’s Copse is named after my family. [Read more…] about The Vining Family and Hiltonbury Farmhouse
Chandler’s Ford is like a well-engineered machine. It works smoothly, runs well and does not break down.
It is serviced thoroughly by Eastleigh Borough Council; traffic flows are fluid and it has good bus services and a railway station.
The shops here are more than adequate with three supermarkets (Co-operative Food, Asda, and Waitrose), [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Guide Book Entry
20 years ago John Wilson wrote a letter to himself at Thornden School in Chandler’s Ford.
Now, a 33-year-old journalist from the University of Winchester, John opens the letter, which was kindly corrected by his teacher 20 years ago.
You now have the privilege to follow John while he takes a hilarious and poignant trip back to 1994, [Read more…] about John Wilson’s “Dear John” Letter – 20 Years After Thornden School
Do you remember The Precinct Gift Centre?
I miss this little gift shop very much.
The Precinct Gift Centre was loved by many. It held many local people’s childhood memories.
It was my favourite gift shop. Sadly, the shop closed in February 2006 after 16 years [Read more…] about Merry Christmas: From Good Neighbours Brian And Suzette Matthews
Is your house featured in this series of Chandler’s Ford’s Christmas pictures?
Eastleigh Football Club’s distinguished photographer Tony Smith has been busy lately.
Tony has captured stunning Christmas light displays in Chandler’s Ford, Hiltingbury and Valley Park for readers of Chandler’s Ford Today. [Read more…] about All Is Bright: Christmas Decorations in Chandler’s Ford 2014
Stand-up comedian Paul Kerensa, well-known for his scriptwriting for Miranda and Not Going Out, came to St. Martin in the Wood Church in Hiltingbury last weekend for an evening of comedy and carols.
Performing to a packed church on 13th December (Saturday), Paul and his friends, [Read more…] about Comedian Paul Kerensa Brought Comedy And Carols To Chandler’s Ford
The term ‘carol’, as generally used, includes some items that appear in hymnbooks and are sung by congregations – such as Away in a manger and Once in royal David’s city.
The term is also used sometimes for items that are not congregational hymns.
Some would not normally form part of a church service – such as We wish you a happy Christmas or Past three o’clock. [Read more…] about Christmas Carol? Christmas Hymn?
I was fortunate in meeting with my local Councillor recently (Valley Park ward, Test Valley Borough Council) and in the conversation we touched upon the thorny subject of housing development.
Apparently, there is a proposed new development up in front of the planning committee currently which effectively tacks on around 300 homes to the edge of the Knightwood Park development as it borders Castle Lane – [Read more…] about Land Off Castle Lane – North Baddesley – Proposed Housing Development
