HAYLING ISLAND BUSINESSMEN’S CLUB Report 2011
The Annual General Meeting of Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club was held at Seacourt on Tuesday 10th January attended by 24 members. In the review of his year in office, outgoing Chairman, Malcolm Newness reported mixed fortunes. A few long established events were not held for one reason or another but supported by Club members and a strong team of officers determined not to let a few problems get in the way, alternative events were arranged allowing the Club to meet its major commitments. On the plus side, the Club welcomed six new members during the year some of whom have now taken on committee roles.
The first running of the Pig Race Night proved to be very successful in bolstering Club funds whilst providing a great deal of amusement and entertainment for the many members and guests who attended. This was quickly followed by the Family Fun Day at Northney Farm which, although hastily arranged, proved to be very popular with the hundreds of local people who enjoyed a lovely day in the sunshine. The fund raising year culminated with the annual Christmas street collection which, thanks to the generosity of local residents, broke all previous records. A truly remarkable effort in these austere times.
The social scene was also very active, starting with the Chairman’s Cocktail party held at the Langstone Hotel for the first time. Amongst other events, the member’s barbeque held at Northney Hall proved to be very popular and was enjoyed on a beautifully sunny summer afternoon. The annual Ladies Night was held at the Newtown House Hotel for the second year. This popular event gives members the chance to don their evening wear and entertain their long suffering wives and other halves whose support is essential to the functioning of the Club
Although the main aim of the Club is to purchase, maintain and run the Hayling Island Community Bus, many other worthwhile causes were supported during 2011 with a large number of monetary awards being made to numerous local organizations. In addition, the Club made its normal donations to the Hayling Island Dramatic Society in the form of purchasing tickets to enable many senior Islanders to enjoy HIAD’s productions. The Christmas party at Sinah Warren was again a great success and was enjoyed by nearly 300 local senior citizens. Club members were in attendance to meet and greet the guests and generally ensure the success of the afternoon. However, many thanks must go to the management, staff and entertainment team at Sinah Warren for their wonderful generosity without which the event would be difficult to stage.
Use of the community bus was again at a very high level in 2011 with Bus Chairman, Meyrick Marston reporting that all the many organizations who use the facility which include Age Concern, The Lions Club and St Peter’s Church are really appreciative of the Club’s efforts in providing this valuable asset. However, with the ever increasing cost of servicing and fuel it is essential that fund raising efforts are strongly maintained
Following the committee reports, Malcolm Newness handed over his chain of office to the incoming Chairman Ed Spencer. Ed, a former engineer in the RAF, was born in Kent but has lived on the Island with his wife Anne for the last 40 years. During his time in the RAF Ed travelled the world working on many types of aircraft. On leaving the service Ed joined IBM in Havant where he worked as a system engineer for many years. As well as having been an active Club committee member, he regularly plays golf and enjoys road running although by his own admission he puts in only a limited mileage these days Joining the Businessmens Club in 2007, Ed served as Community Services Officer for 4 years and now takes on the important role as chairman where he will bring a wealth of experience and business acumen.
In his opening address to members, Ed stressed the importance of raising the Club profile during the year to ensure that it continues to hold its rightful place in the Island community. Ed reminded members of the Club’s origins and ideals dating back to its foundation in 1964 when a group of businessmen from a wide range of professions living on the Island recognized that there was a need to help residents in less fortunate circumstances than themselves. The simple but humble beginnings set the Club aside from organizations having national or international connections and was thus able to direct all its energies to solely serving Island residents. From that inaugural meeting nearly 50 years ago a standard was set and a determined drive instigated to raise funds for the charitable needs of others which proudly continues to this day.
Club members now look forward to the challenges which 2012 will bring. Several new events are planned together with the continuation and resurrection of the old favorites including the Annual Barbeque. A great deal of hard work is envisaged but with the help and generosity of the Island community and businesses a very successful year is in prospect.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Club or with an interest in joining is welcome to contact recruitment officer Andy Lenaghan via e-mail at recruitment@hibc.org.uk
Organizations wishing to use the Community Bus facility should contact Trevor Slydell at minibus@hibc.org.uk
JOHN CUSHION Publicity Officer
