Today’s Fryern Funtasia in Chandler’s Ford was fun, as usual, and it was very well managed. Congratulations! I heard a few children fainted due to heat, but hope they have had some rest and are now feeling better. The organisers deserve our praise – they have put in so much effort to make sure everything ran so smoothly. [Read more…] about A Great Community Event: Fryern Funtasia 2018
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MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review
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
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
Eastleigh Lions Club Santa at the Brambridge Garden Centre Grotto
On Saturday the 25th November 2017 Eastleigh Lions Club Santa will arrive at the Brambridge Garden Centre Grotto in style on a 1960s Southampton City Bus, kindly provided by the Southampton & District Transport Heritage Trust, driven by Dave. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Lions Club Santa at the Brambridge Garden Centre Grotto
Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017
Yesterday afternoon I had a rather good time at Hiltingbury Extravaganza. There were quite many people and lovely animals (pigs, horses, dogs, owls…). Musicians, dancers, writers, volunteers, and many businesses all helped to make this special event remarkable.
Credit to The HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) at The Hilt for its organisation for another fantastic Extravaganza community event on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground.
The Hiltingbury Extravaganza was officially opened by Steve Brine, MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford. [Read more…] about Hiltingbury Extravaganza 2017
Review: Eastleigh’s 12th Annual Mela on Sunday 30th July 2017
As always, I had a great time at Eastleigh’s 12th annual Mela on Sunday 30th July. The word means “a public event held to celebrate a special event” (Cambridge Dictionary) and comes from the Hindu word for a festival.
Ours is a multicultural carnival of music, dance and cuisine with such diverse contributors as; Irish Dancers, Southampton Buddhist Centre, Thai dancers, a band from Afghanistan called the Kabul Boys, traditional Indian dancing, Chinese Lion Dancing, the local Nepalese association, more bands including Crestwood’s Panatical steel drum band, who who always make me feel cheerful when I hear them, and a large range of stalls. [Read more…] about Review: Eastleigh’s 12th Annual Mela on Sunday 30th July 2017
Chinook
Every infantry man in a combat zone loves to hear a Chinook. Wop, wop, wop, you can hear the characteristic sound, you know what it is but you can’t see it. The twin rotor helicopter is coming in at 160 mph with 10 tons of stores and ammunition or re-enforcements. Once it lands, it will be there for 60 seconds, there will be no departure delays, no last calls for passengers, no check in queues. What isn’t taken off or loaded within the time is left where it is. [Read more…] about Chinook
Exclusive – Chandler’s Ford man found in Pyrenees
José Ascaso had been riding his chestnut mare most of the day and was beginning to feel tired. Together, they had made good progress deep into the Pyrenean valley alongside Rio Ara. His plan was to spend the night in Broto, a small mountain town, and ride on into Ordesa Gorge the next day. The valley had become steep and narrow with the mountains rising to 6000 feet on both sides. He hoped to spot the Lammergeier, it is known to fly in the gorge. It is a large vulture with a wingspan of almost 3 metres and weighing up to 7 Kg. It feeds on bone after the other vultures have taken the flesh of dead animals. [Read more…] about Exclusive – Chandler’s Ford man found in Pyrenees
Should the HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) host a Eurovision Party in 2018?
Should The HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) host a Eurovision Party in 2018?
The HCA is thinking of hosting a Eurovision party next year. Cheap (or even free) entry, bar, optional costumes…
Would you go? Please vote on the poll here:
Should The HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) host a Eurovision Party in 2018? (poll 9746435) [Read more…] about Should the HCA (Hiltingbury Community Association) host a Eurovision Party in 2018?
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
New Discoveries and Finding Inspiration in Chandler’s Ford
By Elizabeth Seaman
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
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: Chandler’s Ford Produce and Craft Market
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
West End Theatre in our own Backyard
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
Review: Treasure Island by Thornden School
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
Nextdoor (US Neighbours’ Network) buys UK’s Streetlife
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
How Do You Celebrate Christmas? My Christmas in Chandler’s Ford
In the past few days I have been walking up and down a few roads (Hursley Road, Winchester Road, Hiltingbury Road, Brownhill Road…), and have noticed quite a few inflatable snowman, reindeer, an amusing upside-down Santa near the chimney, and quite a lot of flashing lights in the walls in our neighbourhood.
For those who are cynical about the trend of Christmas festive decorations, or if you are worry about your road / street has become ‘common’, please just remember that festive decoration is fun. People are happy; their kids are happy; their grandchildren are happy. So, just chillax. [Read more…] about How Do You Celebrate Christmas? My Christmas in Chandler’s Ford
Christmas Gathering at Beacon Café, St. Boniface Church 2016
On Tuesday morning, I went to the Beacon Café at St. Boniface Church on Hursley Road for some refreshment (ok, plus more than one piece of home-made cake).
I got there just after 11am, and saw people were happily solving Christmas quizzes, which involved identifying some very old (at least to me) British TV sitcoms. From the participants’ enthusiastic discussions and laughter, I could tell they knew most of the answers while reminiscing the good old days. [Read more…] about Christmas Gathering at Beacon Café, St. Boniface Church 2016