Chandler's Ford Today

review

Review: Murdered to Death by Chameleon Theatre Company

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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

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

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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

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Transformation: Dovetail Centre and Dovetail Centre Café

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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

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Review: Blood and Valour Comic Book

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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

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

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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

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Recommendation: Royal South Hants Minor Injuries Unit

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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

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

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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

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Review: The House of Fog by Chameleon Theatre Company

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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

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New Discoveries and Finding Inspiration in Chandler’s Ford

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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

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Thornden Community Wind Band and The Spitfires in Concert

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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

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

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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

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Blood and Valour: Comic Book Review – Allison Symes

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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

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Review: Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market

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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

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West End Theatre in our own Backyard

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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

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Review: Treasure Island by Thornden School

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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

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

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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

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Robin Hood and the Chameleons – Review by Allison Symes

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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

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Review the Watercress Line

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One of my favourite post-Christmas traditions is to ride on the Watercress Line between Alresford and Alton just after the end of the Santa specials and before New Year.

My family used the Santa specials years ago when my son was younger and the present given was always a good one. The downside is these Santa trains are very popular and booking early is a must (not a downside from the Watercress Line’s viewpoint of course) but now my son is older, we can avoid all that! The post-Christmas trains are also busy but not to the same extent and booking is generally not necessary. [Read more…] about Review the Watercress Line

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