2013 – December Report

A busy time for Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report by John Cushion

It is last chance time for the Club’s Christmas “Bash” tickets. As reported last month a number of local companies and organisations have already chosen the event for their own Christmas Party but a few remaining tickets are still available both on an individual and corporate basis. Any local firms still looking to treat their colleagues or groups of friends wanting a Christmas “get together” should contact Haydens Garage on 02392 462660 or the following outlets who have kindly agreed to assist the Club with ticket sales.

The Lions Community Shop in Mengham

Haydens Garage in West Town on 02392 462660

Hayling Community Centre in West Town on 02392 467 562

Morris Dibben in Mengham on 02392 465942

Geoff Foot Estate Agents in Mengham on 02392 461666

Tickets are £25 which includes a choice of 3 course Christmas Fayre and entertainment to the ever popular 60s Group Out of the Shadows at Mill Rythe Holiday Village. As well as being a great night out, this is a major fund raising event for the Club and all net proceeds are devoted to the running of the Community Bus and other local causes.

The Piggies came back to Hayling on Saturday 9th when close to 150 Islanders and friends enjoyed a night out at the annual HIBC Pig Race Night. Fortunes were won and lost during some exciting and hard fought races followed by a fish and chip supper and raffle supported by several local organisations and traders. Before the final race, the Pigs were auctioned to ensure that at least one lucky person went home with the bacon! Many thanks to Club member Malcolm Newnes and his wife Sue for arranging such a successful night out. Thanks also to everyone who attended the event and the following for their generous support which helped raise nearly £1700 on the night.

Sinah Warren Leisure Hotel                                                Langstone Hotel                   

ECOProducts                                                                       Heritage Building Services

Cameron Developments                                                       Johnson Wood Estate Agency

Leigh Yorke – Double Glazing & Building Services          MSCC a local donor

Graham Cottle Plumbing & Heating                                  Several anonymous donors

Wednesday 20th November saw over 250 “not so old” senior citizens enjoy a wonderful afternoon at the annual HIBC Christmas Party arranged in conjunction with Sinah Warren Leisure Hotel. The Sinah team provided the entertainment with an immaculate performance of the pantomime Dick Whittington amid much rapport from the guests. Following tea and cake, the audience was invited to join in with their own rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas led by energetic members of the pantomime cast. Judging by the smiling faces the afternoon was a great success. Club committee and members would like to sincerely thank the staff and entertainments team at Sinah Warren for their considerable generosity and kindness shown to the Island’s senior citizens and for laying on this annual event.

Look out for Father Christmas and his helpers in the Sandy Point area on Tuesday 10th December when Club members will be joining forces with the local Lions to help pull Santas’s sleigh at the annual street collection and again at Mengham shops on Monday 23rd December when members will be out with their collecting tins come rain, hail or shine. We never cease to be amazed at the generosity of Islanders particularly in these austere times but rest assured that every last penny raised goes to help needy causes on the Island.

135 Club

November Draw

            £20      -38      

            £50      -128    

            £50      -128

            £200    -3

Congratulations to all winners particularly the holder of ticket number 128!

Several Club members attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Hayling war memorial on Sunday 9th November where former Club Chairman laid a wreath on behalf of the Club.

Club Committee and Members wish to take the opportunity of extending our best wishes to all on Hayling and the surrounding area for Christmas and the New Year and our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us over the last 12 months. We assure everyone that every last penny that you have helped us raise has been used to either run the Community Bus or assist other local worth causes.

Although published this time last year the following Snippet from the past from 49 Years ago is as relevant today. The Club is still doing what it can to help worthy causes on the Island

Report from Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club – October 1964

At a luncheon meeting in October 1964, Committee members agreed that during the winter months, members should all keep an eye open for exceptional hardship among the elderly and infirm of the Island, with particular reference to the provision of sufficient heating in bad weather. It was arranged that Christmas parcels would be sent to two groups, the over 90s and the Needy. The Committee anticipated spending between £40 and £45 for providing coal and paraffin to these two groups.