Chandler's Ford Today

sports

parkrun – it can be a walk in the park

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Despite its name, parkrun isn’t about running.  It’s about social interaction and community.  In fact, it could be described as a community event masquerading as a sports event.  I’ve written before about how participants are welcome to run, jog, walk or volunteer and that every form of participation is equally valuable and equally welcomed.

parkrun turns 18 this month, and to mark its birthday it is running the parkwalk at parkrun campaign to celebrate the value of walking.  For each of the five Saturdays participants will be encouraged to walk and chat their way around the course.  There will even be dedicated “parkwalkers” who will be more than happy to walk with you. [Read more…] about parkrun – it can be a walk in the park

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parkrun rewards for persistence

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Almost 7 years since my first parkrun (though parkrun was suspended for 70 weeks of that time), I have recently completed my 250th parkrun.  That’s 250 Saturdays, plus a few Christmas Days and New Year’s Days, that I’ve got up early enough to run 5km at 09:00 am.

unofficial 250 parkrun tee shirt
Chippy models his home-made celebratory shirt before his 250th parkrun

That’s some persistence – and a milestone.  But a milestone that is easy to achieve.  All you have to do is keep going back. [Read more…] about parkrun rewards for persistence

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Eastleigh parkrun 400

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If you were near Fleming Park last Saturday morning (21st April) you might have seen a number of tutu-clad people – both male and female – heading to or from Dragonfly Park.  What was going on?  Was it a flash-mob performance of Swan Lake?  A group of half-hearted entrants to a drag-queen competition?  Take-your-ballet-dancer to work day?

The reason was far more exciting than those possibilities.  It was the occasion of the 400th Eastleigh parkrun, and the event organisers thought that a tutu-wearing event would be a good way to celebrate.  [Read more…] about Eastleigh parkrun 400

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Playing the Ball

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The cricket toughies, the ones who engage in heavy sledging, the brave men who face fast bowlers slinging down bouncers at 90 mph, the ones who will field at silly mid on (a position close to the batsman) collapse in tears when caught cheating. Mind you, the rest of the world really seems to have it in for them; something of an over-reaction. Many of us and many cricketers are enjoying a temporary feeling of schadenfreude; others will be feeling fearful lest telephoto videos of them are re-examined closely. [Read more…] about Playing the Ball

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Places Leisure Community Celebration Day

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Places Leisure (the new leisure centre at Fleming Park) held a Community Celebration Day yesterday (17 February).  “You’re an active sporty type of person,” the editor told me.  “Go down and see what is there.”

Balloons around the main entrance
The main entrance – festooned with balloons for the Community Celebration Day

I tried to protest that a bit of running each week doesn’t necessarily define an active sports type of person, but actually was quite looking forward to the chance to go and have a look round the facilities. [Read more…] about Places Leisure Community Celebration Day

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parkrun 101 – a run (or walk) in the park

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A few years ago someone told me that a group of people meet in Fleming Park every Saturday morning to run 5 km.  My first thought was “why would they do that?”, swiftly followed by an assumption that it was a training run for a local running club, and wouldn’t be open to non-runners like me.

That’s before I discovered parkrun.  I ran my first parkrun – after over 25 years of not running – in March 2015 and since then have been back 100 times – pretty much every week.  I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked. [Read more…] about parkrun 101 – a run (or walk) in the park

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Revamping Fleming Park. Fancy Swimming alongside a Local Fiction Writer?

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The planned revamp of Fleming Park sounds very interesting and I am pleased they are keeping the current pool open while work is underway on the new one.

I’m also pleased the plan includes keeping free car parking. I use the bus to get to Fleming Park for my twice weekly swims there so perhaps this is not relevant for me but I believe free parking is the way forward to encourage people to visit the centre. [Read more…] about Revamping Fleming Park. Fancy Swimming alongside a Local Fiction Writer?

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News from Eastleigh parkrun

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There were extra opportunities for a parkrun over the Christmas period in Eastleigh.

As well as the standard Saturday morning events, runs were also organised for Christmas and New Year’s Day mornings. In addition, the New Year’s Day events in Winchester and Southampton started 90 minutes later.

This gave the truly dedicated a total of five parkruns in nine days.  I managed three of the five – so I must be semi-dedicated. [Read more…] about News from Eastleigh parkrun

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Eastleigh: 250th parkrun

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Did you know that Eastleigh held its 250th parkrun last weekend?

We’re a quarter of the way through the year. How are you getting on with that New Year resolution to take more exercise? You didn’t make such a resolution? No, neither did I, but let’s just pretend that we did.

If, like me, you are not a runner, [Read more…] about Eastleigh: 250th parkrun

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WH Smith Chandler’s Ford: Good Books In Community

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I am delighted to see WH Smith at the Fryern Arcade in Chandler’s Ford has started selling books.

Yesterday afternoon I saw a good selection of books at WH Smith. One book relevant to Chandler’s Ford is The Chandler’s Ford Story: From Earliest Times to the 21st Century, by Barbara Hillier and Gerald Ponting. [Read more…] about WH Smith Chandler’s Ford: Good Books In Community

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Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club and Central Precinct

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The Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford is a paradise for snooker players. Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club is located at the back of the Central Precinct, facing Ahmad Tea company.

It is the last remaining snooker club in Winchester, Chandler’s Ford and Eastleigh.

The family run club has ten well-maintained tables and is open seven days a week to members and non-members. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club and Central Precinct

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