One of my favourite short local walks is the stretch of the Itchen Navigation from Bishopstoke to Allbrook.
It is a rural idyll, yet never more than a few hundred yards from the built-up area and/or railway yard. [Read more…] about My Favourite Short Walk – Itchen Navigation from Bishopstoke to Allbrook
I believe Hampshire may be unique as a county in having 3 cities within it – Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester. As a result there are plenty of historical connections to our area, some of which make for excellent days out.
The fact we can directly access the Isle of Wight, and there are many historical connections there, gives us even more to see and do. [Read more…] about Hampshire Historical Connections
This weekend Winchester Cathedral celebrates Hampshire Harvest with the County’s food and farming. The first day was full of gorgeous local produce, live entertainment, and a lot of inspiration.
Don’t miss it – there’s still one more day tomorrow. [Read more…] about Winchester Cathedral Hampshire Harvest Weekend 2015
Hampshire Scout Shows Unite!
For the first time in the history of Scouting in Hampshire, the creative talents of multiple districts will be brought together in collaboration for a one night only performance as Hampshire Scouts present ‘Stepping Out’. [Read more…] about Hampshire Scouts Present ‘Stepping Out’
In my 15 years of living in Hampshire (since birth), I have seen enough interesting places in this humble county in the South of the UK to call it a great place to be.
There is so much history and exotic locations, some of which are very important to the country’s history. Here are some reasons why Hampshire is an important and must see British location. [Read more…] about Why Visit Hampshire?
Doug Clews lived in Chandler’s Ford between 1938 and 1966. Now living in Perth, Western Australia, Doug shares his fascinating childhood memories of Chandler’s Ford with us.
Extracts from The Doug Clews Story, or As I remember it, 81 years on.
[Read more…] about My Memories of ‘The War Years’ in Chandler’s Ford: 1939 – 1945 (Part 4)
I used to dread going to Winchester, whether to the hospital or to the shops, because I am not someone who enjoys sitting in traffic queues, and parking at Winchester hospital is a nightmare, unless you arrive before 8.30am.
However, now that I have discovered Park and Ride (South) I really enjoy all my trips into Winchester, as it is so quick, pleasant and efficient! [Read more…] about Park and Ride (South) – Winchester
Hampshire Scout Shows unite!
For the first time in the history of Scouting in Hampshire, the creative talents of multiple districts will be brought together in collaboration for a one night only performance as Hampshire Scouts present ‘Stepping Out’.
Scouts from across the county will unite for this one night variety extravaganza, to be performed in the heart of our County at the Winchester Guildhall. [Read more…] about Hampshire Scouts Present Stepping Out
Last week (Thursday to Saturday) Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh performed Les Misérables School EditionTM at the Theatre Royal Winchester.
If you are a fan of Les Misérables and concerned that the “schools edition” might be a dumbed-down version, let me reassure you – it isn’t. The adaptation contains all the passion and power of the original. [Read more…] about Review: Les Misérables by Barton Peveril College
One thing I love about writing for Chandler’s Ford Today is how one subject leads to another.
For instance, my interview with local author, Richard Hardie, led to my wanting to discover more about The Gang Shows.
Richard wrote one of these with the great Sir Terry Pratchett. [Read more…] about In the Gang Show: Lyn Darbyshire
Kids Today!!!!
When I was young, we never behaved like kids do today!
Actually I think we did, or we’d have liked to, except the knowledge that parents, policemen and shop keepers would give us a clip around the ear stopped us going too far. [Read more…] about Exams “Dumbed Down”? View of an Invigilator
I met Felicity Fair Thompson of Wight Diamond Press at the Isle of Wight Weekend Writers’ Conference, which she ran from 2000 to 2005. The conferences were held in Sandown.
I also met Gill James, later of Bridge House Publishing, at one of these conferences and she became the publisher for my first accepted short story, A Helping Hand in the anthology, Alternative Renditions. Wheels within wheels so to speak… [Read more…] about Life as a Small Publisher: Allison Symes Talks to Felicity Fair Thompson
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Pride and Prejudice is the greatest of all Jane Austen’s works.
It is a blueprint for romantic comedy and Elizabeth Bennet remains one of my favourite literary heroines, being quick witted and intelligent at a time when that was not particularly welcomed. (It isn’t always welcomed now in some places, unfortunately). [Read more…] about Jane Austen: An Appreciation by Allison Symes
I’ve stated before that I like Chandler’s Ford library and Eastleigh library.
One of the reasons is that both libraries have a small but pretty good selection of comics and graphic novels, where I get some of mine from. [Read more…] about Hampshire Libraries and My Love for Graphic Novels
Have you heard of Hampshire Hub?
Hampshire Hub is a data store for people who live in and around Hampshire to share data, information, and knowledge.
Mark Braggins, who also writes for Chandler’s Ford Today, founded the Hampshire Hub.
Hampshire Hub is underwritten by Hampshire County Council. [Read more…] about Open Data: How Hampshire Hub Inspired the Government
Books can be dangerous because they deal in ideas so I reckon the two most dangerous places in Chandler’s Ford are our wonderful library and W.H.Smith at Fryern since one lends out books and the other sells them!
It is also fantastic that, especially after the loss of The Arcade Bookshop, we have another bookseller and our library is a real asset. May both keep going from strength to strength.
[Read more…] about Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
Today, in Winchester, I came across this merry band of Greens.
They do not yet have a prospective parliamentary candidate but they assured me that there will be one for Winchester.
[Read more…] about Green Candidate for Winchester 2015 Election
I taught at Montgomery Of Alamein School from January 1966 till July 1988.
For several years I took the top exam classes in English Language and Literature, but I have always considered that my major role in the field of education came in another direction.
On day the headmaster, Dennis Beacham, called me into his office to discuss an important matter. [Read more…] about The Origin Of Humanities Subjects At Montgomery Of Alamein School
Members from Chandler’s Ford’s Chameleon Theatre Company recently staged a Murder Mystery radio play at the Kings’ School in Winchester.
Around 130 parents attended the event and enjoyed dinner while we entertained them on stage.
Our event helped them raise £1,081.10 towards [Read more…] about The Chameleons: Murder Mystery Raised Fund For Kings’ School Winchester
Winchester & Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine invites constituents who would like to visit Parliament and watch Prime Minister’s Question Time to contact him.
In line with all MPs, Steve Brine receives just three confirmed pairs of tickets each calendar year. To ensure absolute fairness, he holds a ballot in up to two weeks before each date from all received entries.
The one date for 2015 is: [Read more…] about Steve Brine: Prime Minister’s Question Time 2015
