HAYLING ISLAND BUSINESSMEN’S CLUB – Report By John Cushion
Members attending the Club’s luncheon meeting on the 16th April were delighted to receive confirmation of the ongoing financial arrangement with the Hayling Lions Community Shop which will greatly enhance Club funds. Proceeds from the shop enable the Lions to make a substantial contribution towards the running and upkeep of the Community Bus which is greatly appreciated.
At the same meeting, Club members welcomed back former member Martin Plummer. Martin is a familiar face on the Island having spent many years as Managing Director of Sinah Warren Leisure Hotel. Whilst membership is now at its highest level for several years the Club will still welcome enquiries from prospective new members. Anyone interested in joining or wishing to attend a meeting should telephone recruitment office Brian Smith via e-mail at recruitment@hibc.org.uk.
The Club’s guest speaker was Neil Ogley head of the music department at Hayling College. Neil is in the process of arranging to send a group of students (11-16 years of age) to Ypres in Belgium as part of the 100th commemoration of the Great War. The two day trip commencing 2nd July is planned for upwards of 50 students, 15 of whom are Glee Club Singers. The Group will visit the Menin Gate for the sounding of The Last Post which has been performed every year since 1928 (apart from 1939 – 45) Whilst at the Menin Gate, The Glee Club singers will perform the song “Poppies” written by Neil. After the main event it is planned that the students will visit the War Museum on the second day before returning to UK. On behalf of the Club, The Chairman thanked Neil for his very interesting overview of the event and promised that a suitable donation towards the trip would be considered at the next Council meeting.
Club members were also pleased to agree the following donations:
St Mary’s Church towards the cost of the new Community Room.
Hayling Island Community Centre towards funding for the new extension under the “buy a brick” scheme
The Mayor of Havant’s Community Chest at the forthcoming Charity Golf Match
During March the Club arranged and paid for nearly 100 senior citizens from local organizations to attend the latest HIADS hilarious production Wife after Death at the Station Theatre. This is an ongoing arrangement and availability details for future productions can be obtained from Community Services Chairman John Finch at communityservices@hibc.org.uk
Several members held a Club Open Day on Saturday 18th April outside the Co-op store on Hayling. The Community Bus was on display and information regarding the Club, its activities and future events was available. During the day customers generously donated over £150 which will greatly help fund the running of the Bus. The Club would like to thank the Co-op for the facility and hospitality on the day.
Look out for the Club’s stall at this month’s Donkey Derby Day at the Legion field on 30th May. Delicious cakes will be on sale at competitive prices together with a bumper Hamper raffle.
Arrangements for the Annual Barbeque are now well under way and the Club is anticipating a large demand for tickets, the cost of which has been maintained at £17 a head. The HIBC Barbeque has been a firm favourite on the Island for many years and will once again take place at Northney Farm courtesy of Stan and Mary Pike with entertainment provided by the fabulous Spice Girls tribute band……SPICE GIRLZ The date for your diary is Saturday 11th July and tickets will shortly be available from Club members, Cards for Occasions in Mengham, The Lions Community Shop and Hayling Community Centre. Other outlets will be advised nearer the time.