Chandler's Ford Today

tradition

Christmas – A Time for Families?

By Leave a Comment

This article is written by David Gurr, of St Francis Church, on behalf of Chandler’s Ford Churches Together (CFCT). You can find Church Services in Chandler’s Ford for Christmas 2018 on the CFCT page.

***

As Christmas approaches there is often a debate in our communities about the place of religion and faith amidst all the presents and feasting. Central stage for Christians is the birth of Jesus into a family with Mary and Joseph. Also central stage is the conversation piece of “are the family coming for Christmas?” or “are you going to the family?” [Read more…] about Christmas – A Time for Families?

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

A Christmas Eve Like No Other

By 1 Comment

A Little History

When the hillsides and jungles of Sri Lanka were being opened up to British planters of coffee in the middle of the 19th century, the planters were desperate for workers but the Sri Lankans, the Sinhala, were not interested in working for foreign colonialists. Why should they? They had their patch of paddy to tend, a coconut plantation and banana trees, they were self-sufficient and the British only needed them at the time of the coffee harvest. [Read more…] about A Christmas Eve Like No Other

Tags: , , , , ,

Greetings from Sri Lanka 2017

By 1 Comment

Christmas Greetings from Kandy. Sri Lanka may be 80% Buddhist, but they do like the story of Baby Jesus. For many, religion is like belonging to a club, you can change or be a member of several. Why not enjoy the Poya days (full moon) at the Buddhist temple, Diwali at the Hindu and a few Carols at the Church?   [Read more…] about Greetings from Sri Lanka 2017

Tags: , , , , ,

Santa’s Grotto at Brambridge Garden Centre with Eastleigh Lions

By Leave a Comment

Santa’s arrival at Brambridge Park Garden Centre was met by a huge crowd of smiling faces. He was accompanied by Eastleigh Lions and children from the charities Simon Says and Eastleigh Young Carers, aboard a lovely heritage bus kindly loaned from Southampton & District Transport Heritage Trust. Huge thanks go to Tom Lingwood, the driver, for safely delivering the party.  [Read more…] about Santa’s Grotto at Brambridge Garden Centre with Eastleigh Lions

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Eastleigh Lions Club Santa at the Brambridge Garden Centre Grotto

By Leave a Comment

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Review the Watercress Line

By 12 Comments

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

Tags: , , , ,

Experiments with Spirituality

By 2 Comments

My first son was born in Delhi in 1987. Two months after his birth, like Prince Siddhartha Gautama of Lumbini, I kissed my sleeping wife and son and travelled to Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. I didn’t know then that I would return there 22 years later. But that is another story, to be written when I have the mental fortitude to narrate it.

For now, let me tell you about my spiritual quest and how unlike Prince Siddhartha, I failed to become the Buddha or the enlightened. [Read more…] about Experiments with Spirituality

Tags: , , , , ,

What I Like (and Dislike) about Christmas

By 5 Comments

I love Christmas, most of it anyway. I would love to see more goodwill being shown by the Christmas shopping crowds as we all try to buy presents and so on but that’s another story.

Being a Christian, the Christmas story and services have special resonance of course, though I know all would welcome the idea of goodwill to all men being practised by ourselves at all times of year (despite mankind failing on this count miserably so often, just look at the news for the proof, but the goodwill idea is a sound one and we shouldn’t give up on it. I don’t think it’s been given a long enough trial period!). [Read more…] about What I Like (and Dislike) about Christmas

Tags: , , , , , ,

Eastleigh Lions: Santa’s Grotto at Brambridge Garden Centre 2016

By Leave a Comment

Was there really a Lion in Santa’s Grotto?

It was very appropriate that on the first ever ‘Local Charities day’, Lions Club of Eastleigh were able to greet Santa at Brambridge Garden Centre. [Read more…] about Eastleigh Lions: Santa’s Grotto at Brambridge Garden Centre 2016

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Otterbourne Mummers: Traditional Mummers Play in Otterbourne, Christmas 2016

By 2 Comments

Yesterday, we went to see the Mummers street play in Otterbourne, Hampshire.

It is a very old and traditional folk play and depicts King George slaying the dragon, Turkish knights and other adversaries. It was good fun to watch and the costumes were very colourful. [Read more…] about Otterbourne Mummers: Traditional Mummers Play in Otterbourne, Christmas 2016

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Christmas Thoughts

By 3 Comments

So, as the old saying goes, “Christmas is upon us and the goose is getting fat” and, to stay in Dickensian vogue, “Bah, Humbug!” Sorry, but I had to get that off my chest! Seriously, I do find Christmas hugely stressful and have often wished that it would simply go away.

As a Clergyman I find that it is a time of high workload, with many additional pressures (as is also the case for so many in the retail trades). [Read more…] about Some Christmas Thoughts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Road to Agincourt: When Medieval Life Comes Alive Like Magic

By 3 Comments

The free Medieval Weekend, organised by the Road to Agincourt project, was recently held at Manor Farm and Country Park, Bursledon.

This post continues with a look at the lives of typical villagers re-enacted over the weekend. And I discover what a fletcher was… [Read more…] about Road to Agincourt: When Medieval Life Comes Alive Like Magic

Tags: , , , , , ,

Would You Live a Medieval Life?

By 9 Comments

The free Medieval Weekend, organised by the Road to Agincourt project, was recently held at Manor Farm and Country Park, Bursledon.

The weekend was being launched to open a new walk, enabling people to walk down to the River Hamble where they could see the wreck of The Grace Dieu, one of Henry V’s ships. The interactive map I have written about in my previous Chandler’s Ford Today posts was in evidence too.
[Read more…] about Would You Live a Medieval Life?

Tags: , , , , , ,

In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

By Leave a Comment

Following on from my previous Agincourt posts, I have now received further details of the Free Medieval Weekend, which will celebrate the launch of The King’s Great Ships Trail.

Where and when? At Manor Farm and Country Park on July 30 and 31, 2016. [Read more…] about In the King’s Footsteps on the Great Ship Trail

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

History: News from Agincourt

By 4 Comments

Given I love history, it was a pleasure to write about the Road to Agincourt project, including the bringing to life via a play of Sir Bevis of Hampton, the legend associated with Southampton. 

This post brings news of a new woodland trail, a medieval weekend festival, and interactive wearable map which tie in with the Agincourt project. [Read more…] about History: News from Agincourt

Tags: , , , , , ,

Easter 2016: Family and Chocolate

By 1 Comment

Last year I shared my Easter with you. I’m going to share my day with you again.

I’m having a nasty cold so it was a struggle in the morning. I missed the church today, but my neighbours later told me the Parish church was packed.

Who said Christianity is on the wane? I never believe it.

At Chandler’s ford Methodist Church, the Easter breakfast was prepared by the men this morning. [Read more…] about Easter 2016: Family and Chocolate

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Easter at the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford

By 6 Comments

The Passion of Christ: Sunday 20 March (Palm Sunday) 2016 at 6.30pm – a selection of readings, hymns, and anthems sung by St. Boniface Choir.

Easter Praise: Sunday 27 March (Easter Day) 2016 at 6.30pm – readings, hymns and an anthem for Easter Sunday evening. [Read more…] about Easter at the Parish Church of Chandler’s Ford

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Welcoming Year of Monkey: 8 February 2016

By 6 Comments

Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year 2016.

It’s the Year of the Monkey, my Zodiac Year of Birth, which is known as 本命年 (Běn mìng nián).

Traditionally a lot of Chinese believe that your zodiac year (12 years as a cycle) will bring danger and misfortune, so you need to wear something red.

To ward off evil spirits, apparently one has to wear red underwear too. [Read more…] about Welcoming Year of Monkey: 8 February 2016

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Merry Christmas from Chandler’s Ford Today

By Leave a Comment

Here in Chandler’s Ford (in England) it is Christmas Eve so we’re winding down for a couple of peaceful days.

I wish you all a blessed, peaceful and happy Christmas, and the most wonderful New Year.

I also want to wish my writers and contributors special wishes. Thank you for working so hard this year to produce the best community site that we can. [Read more…] about Merry Christmas from Chandler’s Ford Today

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,