In almost every walk of life there are those who are behind the scenes, who are easily overlooked but without whom life would be that much poorer. In any organisation or indeed on a website like this, there is at least one person driving it who makes things happen (take a bow, Janet and Neil).
I guess it is like housework in a way. Nobody notices when you’ve done it. They do notice when you haven’t!
Is that rotten? Oh yes.
Is it human nature to a T? Oh yes.
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
Last year, I endured an internal crisis. I could no longer cope with the daily news about the war ravaged Middle Eastern region. The images of suffering got unbearably graphic by the day. When I thought I had seen the worst, another scene would break my heart in two. Existential questions such as ‘Can I really call myself educated when I ignore the suffering around me?’ troubled me. But then, I do have a family to look after and a hefty mortgage; responsibilities that limit most of us. [Read more…] about Building Bridges through Volunteering
(This article was written by Sheila Hardiman.)
Chameleon Theatre likes to support a local charity through its raffles at each performance.
Our members nominate a local charity dear to their heart at our AGM. Over the years we have supported Wessex Cancer, Southampton General Hospital special appeals, the local Alzheimers Society and Lexie’s Voice amongst others. [Read more…] about Chameleon Theatre Company Supports Chandler’s Ford Good Neighbours
The Arcade Youth Theatre hits the stage for the first time this week!
Arcade Youth Theatre is a new, local youth theatre, which has begun its journey into bringing drama and arts to young people and the community of Chandler’s Ford and the surrounding areas. [Read more…] about The Arcade Youth Theatre Hits the Stage for the First Time
Have you heard of a social group called Men’s Sheds?
I have met some lovely men from Men’s Sheds in local events before.
Men Shed is a social network for retired men (and surprisingly, for women too).
They are also called, endearingly, shedders (make sure you spell shedder correctly). [Read more…] about Public Meeting: Men’s Shed Coming to Chandler’s Ford
For lovers of history, who like getting out and about, there is the opportunity to learn how to be a heritage guide for free, with all expenses paid.
The opportunity offers exclusive behind the scenes trips to heritage sites.
You would also get to go to lectures from top historians and academics. [Read more…] about Want to Become a Heritage Guide?
Please tell me I’m not the only one: when somebody speaks to me about drama and theatre, it is obviously noticeable that my face lights up. I cannot help but be drawn in and then spend hours upon hours speaking not only about the performance, but the process itself.
My name is Lewis Pickles, and I am a 16 year old Toynbee School student, who has been involved in the local theatre scene for around 5 years. I fell in love with the theatre after having performed the Mad Hatter, when I was a mere 11 year old, in Alice. [Read more…] about Chandler’s Ford Arcade Youth Theatre (AYT)
I recently received an unusual request to Chandler’s Ford Today from Gemma, who works on the orthopaedic ward at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.
Her first lines were: “I’m not entirely sure if you are the correct person to contact? However you may be able to redirect me!”
This intrigued me. [Read more…] about Join Eastleigh Knitters Making Twiddlemuffs for Dementia Patients
A few weeks ago I saw this note at the Dovetail Centre of the Methodist Church.
The note asks you to be a friend of someone. [Read more…] about Chameleon Theatre Company Supports Chandler’s Ford Good Neighbours
Namaste Eastleigh!
The 10th Eastleigh Mela, held on Eastleigh Town Rec, took place on Sunday 19th July 2015.
This was my second year supporting the Mela and as before the event was a riot of colour, sound and wonderful smells! [Read more…] about The 10th Eastleigh Mela
This morning, my son and I went to Eastleigh town centre and was surprised to see lots of activities at Leigh Road Recreation Ground.
We were attracted by the free drinks (and who wouldn’t?), and had some strawberry milkshake. We then explored the park and watched lots of people having fun. [Read more…] about Hope Eastleigh 2015 Highlights
Last week (1st-7th June) was Volunteers’ Week across the country, as the tremendous contribution made by volunteers of every sort was celebrated.
I was lucky enough to be part of two events in the Borough. One was celebrating voluntary fire fighters in Hampshire. [Read more…] about Celebration: Volunteers’ Week in Eastleigh 2015
This event took place in the Fire and Rescue Service HQ on Leigh Road on a beautifully sunny Friday evening.
Volunteer fire-fighters from all over Hampshire and their families were able to get together and have a nice social event. [Read more…] about Voluntary Fire Fighters BBQ
Eastleigh is celebrating voluntary and community organisations this summer.
The Hampshire Cultural Trust’s Celebrate Volunteers exhibition runs from 23 May to 27 June at Eastleigh Museum, 25 High Street, Eastleigh SO50 5LF.
Admission is free to both the museum and gallery, from Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 10am – 2pm. [Read more…] about Celebrate Volunteers Exhibition at Eastleigh Museum
Yesterday I visited Eastleigh Museum for the Volunteers Fair.
This was the third Volunteers Fair run by Volunteer Centre Eastleigh of One Community at Eastleigh Museum.
I left the museum totally inspired.
In this post, you’ll find the links to a few volunteering groups in Eastleigh and you can join the volunteers to improve our community. [Read more…] about Inspirational Eastleigh Volunteers Fair
