HAYLING ISLAND BUSINESSMEN’S CLUB Report by David J Pawley
Over 250 club members and guests were joined by several local businesses at the Club’s Christmas “Bash” in December. Some great 60s music provided by Out of the Shadows kept everyone dancing until late into the night and the event raised over £1200 which will be used to help worthwhile causes on the Island in the coming year. We would like to thank everyone who supported the event by selling tickets and donating raffle prizes.
Several Club members assisted with the Lions Christmas float in December which raised £224 for Club funds. In addition the annual street collection in Mengham raised a further £552 despite appalling weather conditions. A donation of £30 has also been received from Yvonne Lenn and friends who had a collection during one of their recent events. The committee and members of the Club would like to sincerely thank all those Islanders that contributed to our fund raising activities.
Mini Bus Chairman, Trevor Slydell reported that the new Community Bus was already very popular. Although daytime use continues to be in high demand, the bus is very often not used during the evening or week end. The Club would therefore be interested to hear from any local charitable organization who would like to make use of this very valuable facility either on a “one off” or regular evening or week end basis. Please contact Trevor at minibus@hibc.org.uk or contact any Club member.
The Club’s thanks go for a donation that has been received from Ian Smith and Caroline MacDowell who raised funds with a collection from Islanders viewing their magnificent light display in South Road over the Christmas period. This is the third year that Ian and Caroline have chosen to donate the money to HIBC in the knowledge that the funds would be used for the benefit of local residents.
Earlier in February, newly elected Club Chairman, Dave Stanway welcomed Club members and their wives and partners to the customary Chairman’s Cocktail Party held at the Langstone Hotel. In his welcoming speech, Dave reiterated the need for the Club to continue moving forward despite the current economic difficulties. The cost of running the Community Bus increases almost on a monthly basis. Dave also took the opportunity of thanking member’s wives and partners for their continued and much valued support to the Club.
Please remember that the Club is supporting this year’s Hayling for St George event to be held on Eastoke Plaza on Sunday 27th April when the new Community Bus will be on display with representatives from the Businessmen’s Club on hand to explain the Club’s aims and activities.
The Club is now looking forward to events for this year and the first of which is a Murder
Mystery evening planned for Wednesday 28th May at the Langstone Hotel. This will be
followed by the ever popular Annual Barbeque to be held at Northney Farm on
Saturday 12th July 2013. Full details including ticket outlets will be appearing in forthcoming editions of the Islander.
135 Club : February Draw:
£20 28
£50 110
£50 130
£200 7
Members are reminded that annual subscriptions and payment for 135 membership will shortly be due ….so start saving!!