• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Chandler's Ford Today

  • Home
  • About
    • About Chandler’s Ford
    • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research
  • Blog
    • Blogging Tips
  • Event
    • Upcoming Events
  • Community
    • Groups
    • Churches
    • Schools
    • GP Surgeries
    • Leisure
    • Library
    • Charities
    • Eastleigh Basics Bank
    • Community Food Larder at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Site Policies

London

A Special Trip to London Before the Queen’s Funeral

September 24, 2022 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

A street artist's tribute to the Queen

A group of us took the train to London last Sunday Morning, the day before the Queen’s funeral. We were very lucky that day as the train ran very smoothly. We bought the Super Off-Peak Return tickets, and it cost £25 for each of us. The direct train (The South Western Railway) ran from Eastleigh to London Waterloo. The train was fairly empty and we even had a whole carriage to ourselves. We all felt rather excited about this adventure as it was our first trip to London since the pandemic. Well I guess you might be asking, ‘How was the Queue?’ We didn’t go to London for ‘that’ queue, however we did see the queue of the queue of the queue and it was quite remarkable.

A street artist's tribute to the Queen
A street artist’s tribute to the Queen
Some areas were not crowded at all and we enjoyed lovely walks.
Some areas were not crowded at all and we enjoyed lovely walks.

[Read more…] about A Special Trip to London Before the Queen’s Funeral

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: days out, family, London, looking back, memories, Queen Elizabeth II, reflections, remembrance, the royal funeral

Making Space – Part 1

August 9, 2019 By Allison Symes 1 Comment

Feature Image - Making Space Part 1

If ever there was a city that knew how to make the most of its space, I would say it was London. I was there just over a week ago for a committee meeting and, afterwards, visited the Sky Gardens, which are the highest roof gardens in the capital. [Read more…] about Making Space – Part 1

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: books, cityscapes, decluttering, London, making space, packing, Swanwick Writers' Summer School

A Grand Day Out to London from Chandler’s Ford

January 5, 2019 By Janet Williams 15 Comments

Yesterday morning I took the 7.14 train from Chandler’s Ford to London Waterloo. The return ticket (including London Underground all zones) cost £90.

Ideally I should have taken the 6.06 train, but I wasn’t feeling safe to get to the station so early by myself. Recently I’ve heard of news about people being mugged in Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford, so was a bit more concerned. I considered driving to the station, buying tickets from the machine near the platform, but …. what if someone jumped out from nowhere and I was on my own? I also considered driving to Southampton Airport Parkway but parking would have cost £15 per day. [Read more…] about A Grand Day Out to London from Chandler’s Ford

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: adventure, culture, days out, education, London, travel

Review: The Railway Children

November 5, 2016 By chippy minton 2 Comments

Sometimes I write reviews of concerts and shows; sometimes I write about places to go for a day out. This post isn’t intended to be either of those, though it may look a bit like both.

Last week I fulfilled an ambition I’ve held for several years by going to see the stage version of The Railway Children. This was one of my most-loved books as a child (and that of my sister too), and the 1970 film is undoubtedly one of my all-time favourites. [Read more…] about Review: The Railway Children

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, books, community, days out, education, entertainment, event, London, review, social, theatre, travel

“Refugees Welcome Here” Rally at Parliament Square

September 13, 2015 By Janet Williams 3 Comments

Yesterday afternoon my son and I were caught up in Parliament Square in London.

We took the train to London, first to attend a Traidcraft event being held at Amnesty International near Liverpool Street station, afterwards we decided to tour around London for a bit, like tourists. [Read more…] about “Refugees Welcome Here” Rally at Parliament Square

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: current affairs, education, event, London, news, politics, travel

Symbols of a Country

July 30, 2015 By Ben Williams 1 Comment

This summer, I’ll be visiting three countries – Singapore, Australia and Malaysia.

All three have things which instantly define them. Singapore has the Merlion, Australia has the Opera House (which I sadly won’t be able to see this trip), Ayer’s Rock and kangaroos, both of which I will be able to see, while Malaysia has the Patronas Towers.

This led me to think about what defines a country. [Read more…] about Symbols of a Country

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: culture, entertainment, film, history, London, nature, travel

Mims Davies MP Makes Maiden Speech in Parliament

June 4, 2015 By SO53 News 1 Comment

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies has vowed to fight for better transport infrastructure and health services in the constituency during her maiden speech to Parliament.

Mims, who made the address on her 40th birthday on the 2nd of June, said she would also work hard to ensure less traffic pollution.

“Eastleigh is very close to the M3 and the M27, which puts pressure on our community, with pollution and other pressures,” she told MPs. [Read more…] about Mims Davies MP Makes Maiden Speech in Parliament

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: community, Eastleigh, education, election, London, news, One Community, politics

The Splendour of Chelsea Flower Show 2015

June 1, 2015 By Cecily Casey 3 Comments

I am lucky enough to have a friend who works for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), who got two free tickets to the show on Friday. So off to London I went, meeting up with my friend at Waterloo.

After a quick Tube journey to Sloane Square we emerged onto the busy London street and facing the station was a ticket tout offering Flower show tickets! [Read more…] about The Splendour of Chelsea Flower Show 2015

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: community, days out, gardening, London, nature, review, travel

National Gallery and the Prince

May 21, 2015 By Mike Sedgwick Leave a Comment

I visited the National Gallery again. I always feel uneasy about the place and have never worked out why. Do you have a sense of unease?

It is a national treasure and we are proud of it but it is not like Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square. [Read more…] about National Gallery and the Prince

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: architecture, arts and crafts, culture, days out, London, review, travel

Hampshire Libraries and My Love for Graphic Novels

February 18, 2015 By Ben Williams 7 Comments

teenager epicduda enjoys reading graphic novels. Winchester Library has a good collection of comics and Graphic Novels.

I’ve stated before that I like Chandler’s Ford library and Eastleigh library.

One of the reasons is that both libraries have a small but pretty good selection of comics and graphic novels, where I get some of mine from. [Read more…] about Hampshire Libraries and My Love for Graphic Novels

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: books, Chandler's Ford, community, culture, Eastleigh, entertainment, hobby, leisure, library, local interest, London, reading, review, train station, travel, Winchester, writing

Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

February 6, 2015 By Allison Symes 8 Comments

Allison Symes reviews The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey.

Books can be dangerous because they deal in ideas so I reckon the two most dangerous places in Chandler’s Ford are our wonderful library and W.H.Smith at Fryern since one lends out books and the other sells them!

It is also fantastic that, especially after the loss of The Arcade Bookshop, we have another bookseller and our library is a real asset. May both keep going from strength to strength.
[Read more…] about Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: books, Chandler's Ford, Chandler's Ford Library, community, education, entertainment, Fryern Arcade, history, library, London, reading, review, storytelling, travel, Winchester, writing

Steve Brine: Prime Minister’s Question Time 2015

November 25, 2014 By SO53 News 1 Comment

Winchester & Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine invites constituents who would like to visit Parliament and watch Prime Minister’s Question Time to contact him.

In line with all MPs, Steve Brine receives just three confirmed pairs of tickets each calendar year. To ensure absolute fairness, he holds a ballot in up to two weeks before each date from all received entries.

The one date for 2015 is: [Read more…] about Steve Brine: Prime Minister’s Question Time 2015

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler's Ford, community, event, London, politics, travel, Winchester

The Poppies At The Tower Of London

November 25, 2014 By Nick John 4 Comments

Poppies at the Tower of London

Whilst visiting London on business a few weeks ago I made the time to wander down to the Tower of London to have a look at the poppy artwork installation, which has received quite a bit of positive commentary.

My visit was at the end of October so the artwork wasn’t complete but a substantial portion of it was done as you may see from the few pictures that I took. [Read more…] about The Poppies At The Tower Of London

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chandler's Ford, culture, education, event, history, London, memory, storytelling, travel, war memorial, World War One

Summer Train Journeys

August 2, 2014 By Janet Williams 5 Comments

Paddington Bear by Antony Robinson feature

I sent my son to his grandparents last Thursday. Unfortunately he’ll be returning to us tomorrow. Why do grandparents only keep their ‘charming, polite, delightful’ grandchildren for just a few days?

The summer holiday has just started and we have made 4 trips on the train – to Eastleigh, Winchester, Woking, and London. I thought it’s a good idea to show you what a staycation looks like. [Read more…] about Summer Train Journeys

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler's Ford, local interest, London, train station, travel

Shakespeare and EastEnders

April 30, 2014 By Ben Williams 2 Comments

A very late happy birthday to William Shakespeare, who is 450!

Today I will be talking about my favourite Shakespeare play, Macbeth. [Read more…] about Shakespeare and EastEnders

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, books, Chandler's Ford, culture, education, entertainment, London, reading, school, writing

St. George’s Day: Fascinating Dragons

April 23, 2014 By Janet Williams 8 Comments

Image by Pak Hei Chan. Folded by Kade Chan 2010. Chinese Drago.

Last summer, my friend from Ahmad Tea gave me two free tickets to visit Buckingham Palace on its preview day.

It was the day before the palace summer opening of the State Rooms. I took my son with me for such a privileged visit as VIPs for a day. Yes, I touched the grand staircase at Buckingham Palace designed by John Nash. That was a happy day. [Read more…] about St. George’s Day: Fascinating Dragons

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Ahmad Tea, books, Chandler's Ford, Christianity, community, culture, London, reading, religion, scouting, St. George's Day, The Spitfires marching band, tradition, travel

Malaysian High Commission In London

April 17, 2014 By Janet Williams 7 Comments

London Malaysian High Commission

I had an adventure in London last week and somehow got lost.

I visited the Malaysian High Commission in Belgrave Square near Hyde Park Corner at 8am, and waited for the door to be opened. My purpose was to get my passport renewed.

I wasn’t the first visitor. A lady in her 60s travelled from Scotland through the night [Read more…] about Malaysian High Commission In London

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: adventure, Chinese, community, culture, education, London, tradition, travel

84 Charing Cross Road

April 16, 2014 By Janet Williams 4 Comments

84 Charing Cross - book by Helena Hanff.

I walked along Charing Cross Road in London last Monday.

I decided to look for 84 Charing Cross Road.

I had walked on this road so many times before, but this was the only time I took a photograph of No 84.

The booksellers Marks & Co. used to occupy this site. [Read more…] about 84 Charing Cross Road

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: books, culture, languages, London, reading, travel, writing

Richard Stock: Fundraising for Ovacome

April 14, 2014 By Roger Clark 2 Comments

Richard Stock - London Marathon 13th April 2014. Richard raises money for Ovacome in memory of Dr. Lisa-Jayne Clark from Chandler’s Ford.

I’m pleased to tell you that Richard Stock completed the London Marathon in just over 4 hours yesterday.

This is a remarkable achievement for somebody who had never run a full marathon and indeed had never run over 20 miles!

Richard ran the marathon to raise money for Ovacome, in memory of my daughter, Dr. Lisa-Jayne Clark, [Read more…] about Richard Stock: Fundraising for Ovacome

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: adventure, Chandler’s Ford community, charity, community, education, fundraising, good neighbours, inspiration, London, ovarian cancer, social, travel

Foyles Bookshop at London Waterloo Station

April 14, 2014 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

Opposite to Platform 18 at London Waterloo Station is a Foyles bookshop.

I was surprised to find Foyles there last Monday. One employee told me the bookshop was new – only 2 months in this new location.

The shop features two attractive restored cupola-style ticket booths. [Read more…] about Foyles Bookshop at London Waterloo Station

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, books, education, London, reading, train station, travel, writing

Primary Sidebar

Search

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Chandler's Ford Today blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives

Top Posts & Pages

Quizzing Your Characters

Categories

Tags

am writing arts and crafts books Chandler's Ford Chandler's Ford Today Chandler’s Ford community charity Christianity Christmas church community creative writing culture Eastleigh Eastleigh Borough Council education entertainment event family fundraising gardening gardening tips good neighbours Hiltingbury Hiltingbury Road history hobby how-to Joan Adamson Joan Adelaide Goater local businesses local interest memory Methodist Church music nature news reading review social storytelling theatre travel Winchester Road writing

Recent Comments

  • David Powling on Chandler’s Ford School Days: 1970s – 1980s by Betty Brooking
  • Ray Fishman on Supporting Marie Curie – Great Local Contributions
  • Linda pickering on Pine Road Cemetery (part 1)
  • Catherine Baynham on Charles Baynham in Chandler’s Ford
  • C. Klingler on Gladly, the Cross-eyed Bear and Other Mondegreens
  • Robbie Sprague on VE Day – Thursday 8th May 1945

Regular Writers and Contributors

Janet Williams Allison Symes Mike Sedgwick Rick Goater Doug Clews chippy minton Martin Napier Roger White Andy Vining Gopi Chandroth Nicola Slade Wellie Roger Clark Ray Fishman Hazel Bateman SO53 News

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

Reviews of local performances and places

Reviews of local performances and places

Copyright © 2025 Chandler's Ford Today. WordPress. Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.