Best wishes for the New Year from HIBC Report by John Cushion

The Club Committee and Members would like to wish all Islanders a very Happy New Year with particular thanks to all who supported the Club during 2013. The continuing difficult times we live in make it harder than ever for people to give up their time and hard earned cash to support us but we are never ceased to be amazed at the willingness of Islanders to help us to help others in less fortunate circumstances.

The new Community Bus has arrived. The Club chairman Pat Keane, escort Justin and driver Kay from Age Concern watch on as Dennis & Enid board the new club bus.

Our fund raising events for the coming year will include the old favourites of the Annual Barbeque in the summer and the Pig Race Night later in the year. We also hope to repeat the Christmas “Bash” depending on the success of this year’s event.

At the meeting on 11^th December, thanks were recoded to Club Assistant Secretary John Greenland and his wife Brenda and their helpers on the day for all their hard work in arranging the recent stall at the Community Centre Christmas Bazaar.. A total amount of nearly £200 was raised towards the running of the Community Bus and other worthwhile causes on the Island.

It has been a successful year for recruitment with the Club recently welcoming Richard Chapman,  Brian Smith, Pat Riley and Colin Spicer into the fold. All four took on the task of helping with the annual street collection in Mengham before Christmas which successfully raised several hundred pounds towards Club funds. Many thanks to all those who contributed. Rest assured that every last penny is spent benefiting worthwhile causes on the Island.

At the conclusion of the Club meeting on 27^th November, Chairman Pat Keane “awarded” the Alan Rae trophy for “Mug of the Meeting” to publicity officer John Cushion. It is believed that this was to record Pat’s disappointment that despite nearly 12 months as Chairman a well known local newspaper was not even aware that he held this esteemed office. Pat’s disappointment was further exacerbated when a fairly new Club member also expressed surprise at the fact.