• 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
      • Cat & Kitten Rescue in Chandler’s Ford
    • Fair Trade
      • Traidcraft stalls in Chandler’s Ford
    • Chandler’s Ford Parish Council
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Site Policies
  • Site Archive
    • Site Archive 2018
    • Site Archive 2017
    • Site Archive 2016
    • Site Archive 2015

review

Our Recent Trip to Salisbury (after Spy Attack)

April 5, 2018 By Ben Williams 2 Comments

Two weeks ago, I went to the ancient cathedral city of Salisbury with my parents. Obviously this city has been at the centre of a major international incident for about a month now, but as a resident of Wiltshire’s neighbouring county who has visited Salisbury many times, I decided to visit the city to see what had happened. [Read more…] about Our Recent Trip to Salisbury (after Spy Attack)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: history, news, review, Salisbury, travel

Review: Jack and the Beanstalk by Chameleon Theatre Chandler’s Ford – January 2018

February 9, 2018 By Geoff Dodsworth 2 Comments

I should begin by explaining that the regular contributors who normally write these articles were unavailable on this occasion and consequently we were asked if we would write the review ourselves. I volunteered as I had had no involvement in this Pantomime, apart from watching it as a member of the Front of House Staff for the last three performances so hopefully my review will be objective. I have also attempted to follow the style of the previous articles which has been to describe rather than criticise. [Read more…] about Review: Jack and the Beanstalk by Chameleon Theatre Chandler’s Ford – January 2018

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, local interest, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, theatre

Murdered To Death – The Chameleon Theatre Company – Review Part 2

November 10, 2017 By Allison Symes 6 Comments

Feature Image - Murdered to Death Review

I had the great joy of going to see Murdered to Death by Peter Gordon as performed by The Chameleon Theatre Group on Saturday 28th October. What with the Book Fair in the morning, it was a busy day but a hugely enjoyable one and the show rounded things off beautifully.

How can you tell if something is a spoof? I always look for tautology in the title! It is done for exaggeration (a great comic technique). I can’t think of any other genre where the “To Death” bit would be added. It certainly wouldn’t be in crime fiction, where murder generally is taken very seriously! [Read more…] about Murdered To Death – The Chameleon Theatre Company – Review Part 2

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, local interest, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, theatre, writing

Review: Murdered to Death by Chameleon Theatre Company

November 8, 2017 By Ben Williams 2 Comments

This play Murdered to Death performed by Chameleon Theatre Company in October was an obvious parody of an Agatha Christie murder mystery, right down to one of the characters being called Miss Maple, after the Miss Marple character. Poirot was also referenced, from Miss Maple knowing a Belgian chap, to Pierre Marceau resembling Poirot physically.

The funniest character was Inspector Pratt, who is the most incompetent detective ever. [Read more…] about Review: Murdered to Death by Chameleon Theatre Company

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, local interest, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, theatre, writing

Re-opening of the Dovetail Centre: to Engage and Share, and Fight Loneliness

September 23, 2017 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

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

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler's Ford, Chandler's Ford Good Neighbours, Christianity, church, coffee shop, community, Dovetail Centre, event, history, local history, local interest, Methodist Church, news, review, Winchester Road

Transformation: Dovetail Centre and Dovetail Centre Café

September 3, 2017 By Janet Williams 4 Comments

In the past few weeks I met some friends at the newly refurbished Dovetail Centre at the Methodist Church a few times.

The place is bright, spacious, modern, and welcoming. It’s accessible to all, and I particularly like the much improved lighting. (I felt a bit dazzled at the beginning as I was sensitive to light due to short-sightedness, but soon got used to it.)

[Read more…] about Transformation: Dovetail Centre and Dovetail Centre Café

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler's Ford, Christianity, church, coffee shop, community, Dovetail Centre, history, local interest, Methodist Church, news, review, Winchester Road

Review: Blood and Valour Comic Book

July 8, 2017 By Ben Williams 1 Comment

As a comic book fan I love reading the various Marvel and DC comic books. However, there are plenty of comic books outside of the two big companies. Blood and Valour, the comic book series detailing the exploits of the legendary Sir Bevis of Hampton (aka Southampton, somewhere very near) is a great comic that details local legends very well.

The first volume is about Bevis as a child. It tells the story of how he became a legendary warrior to fight for his kingdom. There’s magic, action and betrayal. As a huge fan of Lord of the Rings and other fantasy shows like Merlin, this instantly appealed to me. It brought me back to playing Dungeons and Dragons when I was younger. [Read more…] about Review: Blood and Valour Comic Book

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Blood and Valour, review, Road to Agincourt Project, Sir Bevis of Hampton

Jane Archer – A Simple Vision, and 37 Years Leading The Coffee Room at Dovetail Centre

July 1, 2017 By Janet Williams 10 Comments

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

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: celebrations, Chandler's Ford, Christianity, church, coffee shop, community, Dovetail Centre, event, good neighbours, history, local interest, Methodist Church, review, Winchester Road

Recommendation: Royal South Hants Minor Injuries Unit

May 8, 2017 By Hazel Bateman 4 Comments

I just want to sing the praises of the Royal South Hants Minor Injuries Unit.

My husband and I have had cause to use this service 3 times in the last year. Two weeks ago I fell over on the pavement near my house and injured my arm. I could not straighten it. After taking the granddaughters home to Sholing, we visited this unit. [Read more…] about Recommendation: Royal South Hants Minor Injuries Unit

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, good neighbours, Hampshire, hospital, recommendations, review

Review – A Comedy Trio: Chameleon Theatre Company – Allison Symes

May 5, 2017 By Allison Symes 4 Comments

Feature Image - A Comedy Trio

I saw A Comedy Trio by The Chameleon Theatre Group on 27th April 2017. Despite feeling miserable due to a heavy cold, (I am not the world’s best patient!), I am glad to say the production made me laugh and I went home feeling considerably better in spirit, at least, than when I arrived! Now there’s a review for you…

Many thanks, as ever, to Lionel Elliott for supplying CFT with the pictures. [Read more…] about Review – A Comedy Trio: Chameleon Theatre Company – Allison Symes

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, local interest, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, theatre, writing

Review: The House of Fog by Chameleon Theatre Company

April 29, 2017 By Ben Williams 2 Comments

The House of Fog feature

I thoroughly enjoyed the comedies I watched last Thursday, performed by Chameleon Theatre Company at Ritchie Memorial Hall in Chandler’s Ford. In this post, I will focus on one of the comedies, The House of Fog, by Peter Brammer.

The play The House of Fog was a really funny mockery of a horror movie, with an extra layer of comedy added due to the fourth wall aspect.
[Read more…] about Review: The House of Fog by Chameleon Theatre Company

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, local interest, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, theatre, writing

New Discoveries and Finding Inspiration in Chandler’s Ford

April 29, 2017 By Elizabeth Seaman 3 Comments

It’s another very welcome bank holiday weekend and for many of us there will be more time to relax, catch up with friends or indulging in a creative pastime. As someone whose artistic attempts are, at best, minimal, I do find it interesting to hear how others find the inspiration or ‘spark’ that leads them to put pen to paper (or should that be fingers to keyboard?) to write a play or book, or to pick up brush and oils to paint a picture. [Read more…] about New Discoveries and Finding Inspiration in Chandler’s Ford

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Age Concern Centre, arts and crafts, Brownhill Road, Chandler’s Ford community, community, craft fair, crafts, Eastleigh, event, Fryern Arcade, hobby, local businesses, local interest, review, social

Thornden Community Wind Band and The Spitfires in Concert

April 6, 2017 By chippy minton 1 Comment

Thornden CommunityWind Band with the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band - the Spitfire, 1st April 2017.

In my review of the Thornden Community Wind Band’s Christmas concert, I mentioned that their next concert would be with the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band (The Spitfires).  Ruby Barefoot commented that he would add the date to his diary.  Well, Ruby, I hope you managed to get tickets because this was a concert not to be missed. [Read more…] about Thornden Community Wind Band and The Spitfires in Concert

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: concert, music, review, The Spitfires marching band, Thornden Hall

Review: An Evening of Entertainment with Chandler’s Ford MDG Players and Friends from Romsey

March 26, 2017 By Ben Williams 3 Comments

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

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chandler's Ford, community, entertainment, event, local interest, MDG Players, Methodist Church, review, Romsey, social, theatre, Winchester Road

Blood and Valour: Comic Book Review – Allison Symes

March 17, 2017 By Allison Symes 7 Comments

Feature Image - Blood and Valour Young Sir Bevis Comic Review

The joy of reading includes the discovery of genres new to you, leading to a wealth of new stories to enjoy. I have just finished reading my first graphic novel – Blood and Valour by Matt Beames (story), Marcus Pullen (art) and Guy Stauber (covers).
[Read more…] about Blood and Valour: Comic Book Review – Allison Symes

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Blood and Valour, review, Road to Agincourt Project, Sir Bevis of Hampton

Review: Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market

March 12, 2017 By Hazel Bateman 5 Comments

Yesterday, following recommendations on Chandler’s Ford Today, my husband and I visited this small but interesting local market held in the Age Concern hall at the top of Brownhill Road.

This market is carefully managed, with the needs of regular local stallholders in mind, and features around 12 stalls selling locally-produced food and crafts (no traders). [Read more…] about Review: Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Age Concern Centre, arts and crafts, Brownhill Road, Chandler’s Ford community, community, craft fair, crafts, Eastleigh, event, Fryern Arcade, hobby, local businesses, local interest, review, social

West End Theatre in our own Backyard

March 11, 2017 By chippy minton 3 Comments

National Theatre

I went to see a West End theatre production recently.  But I didn’t have to travel to London or pay a small fortune for my ticket; it was at Thornden Hall and the ticket was only £15.

This was one of the National Theatre Live productions – live theatre beamed to cinemas around the country. [Read more…] about West End Theatre in our own Backyard

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chandler’s Ford community, community, culture, entertainment, event, local interest, National Theatre Live, review, social, theatre, Thornden Hall, Winchester Road

Review: Treasure Island by Thornden School

February 14, 2017 By chippy minton 4 Comments

treasure island programme

I’m not  total philistine; I have read some of the classic novels.  However, Treasure Island is on the list of the many that I haven’t.  So I was doubly excited to go to see Thornden’s Schools’ production of Treasure Island on Friday (10 February).  Partly to top up my “blagger’s guide to the classics”, but mainly for the chance to see another of the school’s productions. [Read more…] about Review: Treasure Island by Thornden School

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chandler’s Ford community, community, education, entertainment, event, local interest, review, social, theatre, Thornden Hall, Thornden School, Winchester Road

Nextdoor (US Neighbours’ Network) buys UK’s Streetlife

February 6, 2017 By Janet Williams 26 Comments

Updated 4th March 2017: Today I discovered Kahuti

I love Kahuti and I would like old Streetlife friends to join Kahuti to make it stronger and better. You may find Kahuti builds the same strong community like Streetlife, and Kahuti has the potential to make it better, and make it work for us. [Read more…] about Nextdoor (US Neighbours’ Network) buys UK’s Streetlife

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, community, Eastleigh, event, good neighbours, local businesses, local interest, review, social, Southampton, Streetlife

Robin Hood and the Chameleons – Review by Allison Symes

February 3, 2017 By Allison Symes 5 Comments

Feature Image - Robin Hood Panto

I went to see the Chameleons’ production of the pantomime, Robin Hood, on Thursday January 26th. The production was excellent and the pantomime had all the key ingredients you’d expect.

Humour, topical jokes (at the expense of D.J. Trump Esq), songs (sung with gusto and great enjoyment) and a wonderful story. There was the “oh no we won’t” moment from the audience and the usual dressing up of women as men (though not the other way round as well here). Robin was actually a man in this production! (And played by the excellent Paul Jones who got into the traditional thigh slapping with considerable enthusiasm). [Read more…] about Robin Hood and the Chameleons – Review by Allison Symes

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email
Tags: arts and crafts, Chameleon Theatre, Chandler’s Ford community, community, entertainment, event, Hursley Road, local interest, review, Ritchie Memorial Hall, theatre, writing
« Previous Page
Next Page »

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

999, 111, 101, 112? Emergency Numbers You Must Know
Verbs and Verbosity in Fiction
101 Things to Put into Room 101
Home
Chandler’s Ford from the 1980s – Part 2
Montgomery Of Alamein School In Winchester: Astonishing Historical Pictures Revealed
New 0300 Phone Numbers for Hampshire County Council
David Beckham's Chinese Tattoo
Cat & Kitten Rescue in Chandler's Ford
101 Things to Put into Room 101 - Part 7 - The Final Leg

Categories

Tags

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 interview 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

  • Allison Symes on Verbs and Verbosity in Fiction
  • Mike Sedgwick on Verbs and Verbosity in Fiction
  • Martin medley on Mr Kipling – Exceedingly Good Memories
  • Hugh Benham on Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival at St Martin in the Wood Church
  • Allison Symes on Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival at St Martin in the Wood Church
  • Allison Symes on The Rule of Three In Fiction

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 © 2022 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.