I went to the Dovetail Centre on 19th April to see Five Go Mad for Shakespeare. Being fond of the Famous Five stories by Enid Blyton and, much later on, the Bard of Avon, this was a production which had my name on it in a manner of speaking. This is my take on the show following on from Ben Williams’ excellent summary. [Read more…] about MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review
Methodist Church
Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2018 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)
The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”) had a busy day taking part in three St George’s Day Parades today.
They started at 10:00 in Eastleigh, and 12:45 in Winchester, then 14:30 in Chandler’s Ford. Emma Thompson, Media Officer and Deputy Drum Major from the Band said they would like to thank everyone who turned out to support each event.
All photos of “The Spitfires”: courtesy of MJDS Photography. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2018 with The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (“The Spitfires”)
Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players
The latest comedy from MDG Players from Chandler’s Ford, and the Romsey Players combines two very British writers – William Shakespeare and Enid Blyton. Shakespeare’s works are updated and refreshed for a modern age and hilarity ensues. Want to know what happens if Theresa May decided to quote Henry V? How about if Romeo and Juliet took place in rival retirement homes? [Read more…] about Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players
Congratulations! It’s a BEM for Caroline Husain from Chandler’s Ford
Congratulations to Caroline Husain from Chandler’s Ford, who has been named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2018.
Caroline has been recognised for decades of ‘services to charity and the community in Chandlers Ford’ with a BEM (The British Empire Medal). [Read more…] about Congratulations! It’s a BEM for Caroline Husain from Chandler’s Ford
Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 44th Christmas Market 2017
Once a year I go to the Joint Charities Annual Christmas Market in Chandler’s Ford to buy a few Christmas cards (I don’t have that many friends to send cards to) and use it as a chance to catch up with friends, and also have my coffee morning with friends at the Dovetail Centre Café. [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Joint Charities 44th Christmas Market 2017
Re-opening of the Dovetail Centre: to Engage and Share, and Fight Loneliness
Yesterday morning, a few of us from Chandler’s Ford Today attended the unique ribbon-less re-opening ceremony of the Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church. It was a warm and friendly place as usual, buzzing with excitement.
It was certainly a day of celebration, and also a day of reflection on the problem of loneliness in our community, and how we could all reach out to support one another. [Read more…] about Re-opening of the Dovetail Centre: to Engage and Share, and Fight Loneliness
Refurbishment for a Modern and Contemporary Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church
A few weeks ago, I went to the Gift Day at the Dovetail Centre of the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church. The purpose of the day was to raise fund to refurbish Dovetail Centre, one of the most popular community centres in the heart of Chandler’s Ford.
It was a happy morning. We were sitting at the delightful Dovetail Centre, chatting to old and new friends, and were all excited about the new project. [Read more…] about Refurbishment for a Modern and Contemporary Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church
Jane Archer – A Simple Vision, and 37 Years Leading The Coffee Room at Dovetail Centre
In the 1980s there were no fancy coffee shops in Chandler’s Ford. It wasn’t common for supermarkets to offer you ‘free’ coffee either. Many young mothers found themselves isolated at home with young children, and elderly people were struggling to meet someone for a friendly chat.
One person saw that acute problem in Chandler’s Ford and decided to do something about it, to change for the better.
Her name is Jane Archer. She has run the Coffee Room based at the Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church on Winchester Road for 37 years. Many babies who had played at the Coffee Room have grown up to become parents themselves. [Read more…] about Jane Archer – A Simple Vision, and 37 Years Leading The Coffee Room at Dovetail Centre
Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 1 May 2017
The Fryern Funtasia is a community event organised by local volunteers and businesses, with the support of the Chandler’s Ford Parish Council. The Fryern Funtasia has become one of the most popular local community events in recent years, and it is in its 6th year.
Today the event was officially opened by the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Des Scott. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 1 May 2017
Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service 2017
What a glorious day today.
Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service took place this afternoon.
Many Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, leaders and adult supporters all attended and it was a happy occasion in the community.
Here are some photographs of the day. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Scout District St. George’s Day Parade and Service 2017
Review: An Evening of Entertainment with Chandler’s Ford MDG Players and Friends from Romsey
Last Friday I watched three short comedy performances at the Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church performed by the MDG Players and their friends from Romsey. Unlike the previous performances I’ve seen, this was a variety of plays with different characters and plots, with different styles of comedy. [Read more…] about Review: An Evening of Entertainment with Chandler’s Ford MDG Players and Friends from Romsey
Review: Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market Chandler’s Ford 2016
This morning I went to the Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church.
I love this annual tradition – as it kicks off my internal clock for Christmas. It reminds me that I need to start pick up a pen, write a few Christmas cards (while adding names or crossing names off my Christmas card list as well).
This morning, former Eastleigh Mayor Councillor Jane Welsh opened the 43rd Christmas Market. [Read more…] about Review: Joint Charities 43rd Annual Christmas Market Chandler’s Ford 2016
Review: The Spitfires: Last Night of the Proms 2016 – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band
As expected, The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band “The Spitfires” gave an outstanding performance at their concert on 5th November. A varied programme included musicals, military marches, and classical pieces – even The Village People’s music got a look in.
The concert included two soloists. The first sang Nessun Dorma – a piece normally heard as a tenor voice, but no way diminished by the soprano (I think it was) at the concert. A wonderful voice, singing the high notes with as much precision and clarity as the lower ones. [Read more…] about Review: The Spitfires: Last Night of the Proms 2016 – the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band
Fun Day – Fryern Funtasia 2016
Another first for me this year has been to visit the Fryern Funtasia on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May 2016. How to tell it is a Bank Holiday Monday? Because the weather closes in!
The weather held off long enough to not get in the way of a good show at the Fryern Recreation Ground. Nor did it stop the youngsters having a wonderful time on the bouncy castle, the bouncy slides, the pony ride, go kart track and so on. [Read more…] about Fun Day – Fryern Funtasia 2016
Chandler’s Ford School Days: 1970s – 1980s by Betty Brooking
By Betty Brooking
When we lived on the Oakmount estate in the 70s, our son first went to Mrs Vincent’s nursery school at the Methodist Church Hall Fryern Hill.
He then started infant school in the annex with Mrs Moye at Kings Road School Chandler’s Ford (She always ran the sweet stall at the school’s annual fete, held at Merdon Avenue School). [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford School Days: 1970s – 1980s by Betty Brooking
Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 2016
Music. Food. Ponies. Dogs. Games. Stalls. Friends. Queen.
Fryern Funtasia this afternoon on the Fryern Recreation Ground was enjoyable.
It’s the 5th Fryern Funtasia event in Chandler’s Ford. The Fryern Funtasia is a community event organised by local volunteers and businesses, with the help of the Chandler’s Ford Parish Council. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Fryern Funtasia 2016
Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016
This post is about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade last Sunday (24th April 2016).
The parade was led by “The Spitfires” – the brilliant 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford St. George’s Day Parade 2016
Review: The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band St. George’s Day Concert 2016
The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (better known as The Spitfires) returned to Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church last weekend for a St George’s Day concert in aid of One Community.
As we have come to expect from a band of such high calibre, the concert showcased the musician’s skills and wide repertoire. We were also treated to a display by the band’s Corps of Drums, who had been busy with other scouting activities at the October concert.
[Read more…] about Review: The 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band St. George’s Day Concert 2016
50 Things I Like about the Chandler’s Ford Area (Part 2)
Now for Part 2 of my 50 things to like about the Chandler’s Ford area.
26. David’s Fish Bar
It is a family tradition to have a takeaway and watch a movie on a Friday night. We visit David’s Fish Bar (who regularly offer fish and chip suppers as prizes for various charities raising funds. A delicious prize!). [Read more…] about 50 Things I Like about the Chandler’s Ford Area (Part 2)
Review: Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players
Last Thursday, my mum and I watched an intriguing drama Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor, performed by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players, at the Methodist Church Hall.
What’s this Sudden Death all about? A murder?
The play is about a rich and unpleasant nobleman (played by Lester Parry) [Read more…] about Review: Sudden Death at Thornbury Manor by Chandler’s Ford MDG Players