Hayling Island Businessmens Club Report by the Publicity Team
Early in January the Club arranged and paid for nearly 100 senior citizens from local organizations to attend the HIADS hilarious production of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Station Theatre. This is an ongoing arrangement with HIADS and availability details for future productions can be obtained from Community Services Chairman John Finch at communityservices@hibc.org.uk. During the month, the Club was also pleased to agree a donation of £200 to the youngsters of theHayling Musical Society in support of their future productions at the Station Theatre and Community Centre.
A big thank you goes again to 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 fourth 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.
The good news continued upon receipt of magnificent donation of £500 from Sinah Warren Leisure being the proceeds of fund raising events at the Hotel. Sinah’s managing director Martin Plummer was accordingly welcomed to the Luncheon Meeting on Thursday 19th February to meet the members and present the cheque.
February 18th saw nearly 100 current and former Club members together with their wives, partners and guests attended the customary Chairman’s Welcome Party held at the Langstone Hotel. The event was opened to guests for the first time and newly elected Chairman, John Cushion was pleased to welcome mayor elect of Havant, Leah Turner and her consort Andy Cousins together with several members of Hayling Lions with whom the Club works closely on a number of events on the Island. John took the opportunity of thanking member’s wives and partners and their guests for their continued and much valued support to the Club. Following the formalities members and guests enjoyed a buffet supper followed by entertainment from local musical artist Wendy Adams.
The Club’s next event is the ever popular Skittles Evening to be held at The British Legion on Friday 13th March. Open to non members, tickets which are competitively priced at £10 are available from any Club member. There are prizes for the best “skittlers” and the evening includes supper.
Although membership of the Club remains strong we are always on the look out for new members.Anyone interested in finding out more about the Club or with an interest in joining is welcome to contact recruitment officer, Brian Smith on recruitment@hibc.org.uk or speak to any member at any of our forthcoming events.