HIBC Report for Dec. 2016 By Bruce Mowatt – HIBC publicity

Members enjoyed an early Christmas present with the arrival of the club’s brand new Community Mini Bus. The latest model Ford Transit maintains the 17-seat capacity and is very similar to the outgoing bus. The new bus has been in use during December, and we have received favourable comments regarding the steps to enter the vehicle. Although the transport facility is already in regular use by numerous organisations on the Island, enquiries for availability are always welcome by contacting the Bus Manager Trevor Slydell at minibus@hibc.org.uk. Organisations must provide their own driver who will be no more than 70 years of age holding a clean licence, a short training session will be available if required.

The clubs final luncheon of 2016 is on the 22nd of December and we trust that many members will be in attendance. We will be treated to a secret Santa, he will enable members to exchange wrapped gifts (they have purchased to a value of around £5), with other club members, not knowing which of the wrapped gifts they will receive in return.

In December, the first performance at the station theatre’s pantomime Red Riding hood was enjoyed by nearly 80 senior citizens paid for by the Businessmen’s club. Sponsorship of the HIADS by the club is a regular event and numerous productions have been enjoyed by large audiences over many years. Look out for future presentations held at the theatre.

The club would like to thank you again for all the generous support it receives from local businesses and Stores around the Island over the past year, all proceeds go towards helping the community with the running of the community bus and other local worthwhile causes.

Members joined forces with the Lions Club on 13th December to help pull Santa’s Sleigh for the annual street collection in the St Leonards road area. Father Christmas and his Elves reported a successful evening with thanks going to all the residents who came out of their houses to enjoy Father Christmas, and helped contribute to a grand total for that evening of nearly £240.

A reminder of the spectacular evening being held at the station theatre between 8th to the 11th February, when club member Neil Ogley and his wife Janelle Ogley, present a tribute to the greatest songs, composers, and singers of our time with the support of Ex Royal Marine musicians. Neil and Janelle will perform classic songs from composers like George Gershwin, Julie Styne, Stephen Schwartz, Freddy Mercury, Greig, Chopin, and paying tribute to singers like Barbera Streisand, Celine Deon, Queen, Harry Connick junior and many more. Proceeds will be used to support HIBC and other worthwhile causes on the Island. Tickets can be obtained from the Theatre box office.

We are holding a street collection for the club funds in Mengham on 23rd December. We will have on display the community Mini-bus and provide festive music. If you see us and can afford to contribute some loose change, we will be very appreciative, and you can trust that every penny donated goes towards worthwhile causes on the Island.

A new year brings new challenges to us all, so our challenge in 2017 is to learn from any adverse feedback received from the events held in 2016, so that you our patrons can look forward to an even better experience at our events, such as the BBQ and Pig Racing.

The name of the club can be a little misleading, as it is not necessary to be a Businessman to join! Anyone who has time, and the interest to be part of a club with the Ethos of helping the less fortunate can apply for membership. In addition to aiding this worthwhile cause through the planning, and arranging of events, there are several social gatherings throughout the year. The combination of these activities enables members to build close relationships, and find friends for life. Please contact a club member if you require more information.

HIBC Report for December By Bruce Mowatt HIBC publicity

Wednesday 16^th November, 300 ‘not so old’ senior citizens filled the theatre at Sinah Warren Hotel to enjoy a wonderful afternoon at the annual HIBC Christmas party. This is arranged in conjunction with Sinah Warren leisure Hotel. The Sinah team provided the entertainment with an immaculate performance of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk amid much rapport from our guests. Following tea and cakes the audience were invited to join in with their own rendition of the 12 nights of Christmas led by energetic members of the pantomime cast. Judging by the smiling faces the afternoon was once again a great success. Club committee and members would like to sincerely thank the management, staff and entertainments team at Sinah Warren for their considerable generosity, and kindness shown to the Islands senior citizens for laying on the annual event in its eleventh year.

The Piggies came back to Hayling on Saturday 12^th November when close to 160 Islanders and friends enjoyed a night out at the annual HIBC Pig Race. Fortunes were won or lost during the exciting and hard fought races followed by a hearty supper of Lasagne with Garlick bread. The raffle prizes were supplied by several local organisations, traders and club members to whom the club offers many thanks. Special Thanks to Tesco who also generously donated towards the Raffle. Before the last race, the pigs were auctioned to ensure that at least 6 lucky people went home with the bacon! Many thanks to Malcolm Newnes for arranging such a successful evening. Thanks also to everyone who attended the event, and their generous support which helped to raise over £1200 to support local worthwhile causes.

The club was pleased to donate £1000 to the Hayling Island community Centre to help them raise the remaining funds for their building project.

We were also pleased to assist the Hayling Island men’s shed association with a donation of £200 towards the building of the shed, and leasing land from the United Reformed Church.

Mary Thompson BUDDIES is organising to take a group of her members to the Isle of Wight for a Tinsel and Turkey party at the end of this month, the club was pleased to donate £200 towards the cost.

A donation from our member Laurie Noble (Station theatre manager) who received the cheque from a talk he gave recently. He has also been busy assisting member Neil Ogley from Hayling College with 2 future events which will benefit the club. On Thursday 15^th December, the Hayling College seasonal concert featuring all the local schools will be held.  They will present 2 performances at 1430 hours and 1915 hours. The other event will be held at the Station Theatre on Wed 8^th February until Saturday 11^th February 2017, featuring Janelle and Neil Ogley in a musical journey. More details in future reports. 

HIBC will be collecting with the Santa Christmas Sleigh on Tuesday 13^th December, starting at 1715 hours from the corner of St Leonards Avenue, and finishing at Osprey road, North Crescent. Please look out for us, give us a wave, and if possible a donation to ensure that we can continue to help the less fortunate residents on the Island.

Club members are proud that for over 50 years they have survived with a vibrant membership working tirelessly for the benefit of Hayling residents. In addition to supporting local senior citizens, and youth groups, the main aim of the club is the purchase, and running of the Island community mini-bus providing a transport lifeline for many hundreds of Islanders every year. The bus is provided free of charge (the club covering all the cost), to our users.

Why not Join our club and enjoy a friendly social life while helping the local community? Contact or recruitment officer at recruitment@hibc.org.uk

HIBC Community Forum Report for November 2016 – by Bruce Mowatt – Publicity Officer

Members were delighted to support a donation to pay for items of food for Christmas hampers for home alone seniors to help with their Christmas lunch. This event was successfully held last year, and believe that over 30 islanders will enjoy the same benefit this year

I hope you did not miss this exciting annual Pig racing event held at the community centre, on the 12^th November. the event is always well attended with ticket holders, and their families enjoying, the excitement of the evening.

We are always looking for ways to raise funds to support the mini bus, and other local deserving causes. I am pleased to announce the opportunity to attend a fund raising musical evening to be held at the HIADS Station theatre. The evening will be tribute to the greatest song composers and singers of our time, quite simply an evening of superb quality not to be missed. Club member Neil Ogley former royal pianist and his wife Janelle former international singing star, will be performing and have the support of ex Royal Marines musicians which will make the evening sparkle. This evening of spectacular music has been booked for 8^th to 11^th of February 2017. Ticket prices are £15.

The club was pleased to support the Hayling youngsters with a donation towards their SUESSICAL show held on the 27^th Oct. at the Hayling Community Centre

Mengham junior school is aiming to purchase sound and lighting equipment, we are pleased to support their efforts with a donation towards the cost.

Most tickets have now been distributed for the Senior Citizens Pre-Christmas party to be held again courtesy of Sinah Warren Hotel on Wednesday 16th November. The club arranges the party every year in conjunction with Sinah Warren Hotel and up to 300 senior citizens attend

The aim of the club is the purchase and running of the island community mini-bus providing a lifeline for many hundreds of Islanders every year. The bus is provided free of charge (the club covering the cost) to our users. You must provide your own qualified driver.

HIBC community Forum report October by Bruce Mowatt

Due to popular demand from our annual Barbeque Party goers, we have rebooked the Abba tribute band for our next BBQ event in July 2017.

At our recent luncheon meeting we had the pleasure to welcome one of our founder members namely Paul Wilkins who joined the club in 1964. He stated that he is impressed that the club is still very active and achieving all the original aims in supporting the community. His advice was for the club to continue with the good work.

We received thank you letters for the club’s donations to the Hayling Scouts and the First responders, who supported and helped at the annual BBQ.

Arrangements for the Pig race night to be held at the Hayling Community centre on Saturday 12th November are well under way, with tickets priced at £8 and £5 for children. Ticket price includes a race card and supper. The event was held for the first time 4 years ago and over 150 Islanders and friends enjoyed an exciting evening of racing and supper. With a capacity limited to 200 people at the hall, tickets may be in short supply, so recommend that you purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available from club members, also: – Cards for Occasions / Morris Dibben / Geoff Foot Estate Agency all based in Mengham and the Community Centre in West Town.

The club members have been working over the last few months to enlarge and modify our existing garage to accommodate our 17 seater minibus. This involved removing existing walls and extending garage length and height. I am pleased to state that the bus will now fit comfortable into the modified garage. A job well done by members working together.

The club welcomes potential new members as our guest at the luncheon meeting, held every 2 weeks, allowing the guest to see first-hand how the club operates, and meet the existing members. The Chairman declares the meeting open after lunch which allows members to hear and express their options on the latest activities of the club. If you wish to join a thriving club, working for the good of the community. Then please e-mail our recruitment officer for further information: – recruitment@hibc.org.uk

HIBC Report for Sept 2016 By Bruce Mowatt – HIBC Publicity

Arrangements for the Pig Race night to be held at the Community Hall on Saturday 12th November are now well underway. The event was held for the first time 4 years ago, and a 150 Islanders enjoyed an exciting evening of racing, which has proven to be very popular event every year since. The evening will enable the pigs to compete in 7 races each one trying to become the race champion. There is a huge demand for tickets priced at £8 per adult, and £5 for children under 12 years of age, the ticket price includes a race card and supper. With a capacity limited to 200 people at the hall, tickets may be in short supply, so recommend that you buy your tickets early to ensure your attendance. Before each race commences there will be the opportunity to purchase a pig (i.e. become the owner for 1 race only) at £2.50. Should your pig win the race then you will receive a winner’s prize in addition to any betting slip you may have placed. The club is also looking for businesses or individuals to sponser a Pig. Remember all proceeds to local good causes. 

Tickets will be available from Club members also: – Cards for Occasions / Morris Dibben / Geoff Foot Estate Agents all based in Mengham, and Hayling Community Centre in West town.

At our recent luncheon meeting we had the pleasure to welcome one of our founder club members namely Paul Wilkins who joined the club in 1964. He stated that he is impressed that the club is still very active, and achieving all its original aims, in supporting the community. His advice was for the members to continue with the good work.

We are pleased to announce that our annual ladies’ night will be held at the Langstone Hotel on the 21st October. Tickets are priced at £30 each to include an evening meal with the opportunity to dance and enjoy good company.

We received thankyou letters for our donations to Hayling scouts and the First responders who supported and again helped out at the annual BBQ

Our new 17 seater minibus was too large to fit into our existing garage accommodation. The members have been working over the last few months to enlarge and modify our garage to accept the new bus. This involved knocking down existing walls, and extending garage height and length. I am pleased to say that the bus will now fit comfortably into the garage. A job well done by the club members.

As the club contributed towards the Hayling skate park refurbishment, it enquired through club member Andy Lenaghan (West Hayling Borough Councillor) why the work at the sea front skate park appears to be unfinished. His response is that the work was on hold until completion of the summer school holidays, to minimise disruption to the users. The final work of fitting a new spine and painting should be finally completed when you read this article.

The club is very pleased to present this advance information regarding the annual BBQ in 2017. Due to public demand the club have rebooked the ABBA tribute band, which proved very popular at this year’s BBQ. The event again being held at Northney farm thanks to the generosity of Stan, Mary and Tim Pike on 8th July 2017.

The Mini-bus is normally fully booked by the local organisations during the week, but has availability during weekends particularly on Saturdays. Any local organisation wishing to make use of the facility either on a one off, or regular basis is welcome to contact the bus manager Trevor Slydell at minibus@hibc.org.uk.

HIBC Report for Aug 2016 By Bruce Mowatt HIBC publicity

With the dust finally settling on this year’s Annual Barbeque, Club treasurer John Greenland was pleased to report an overall increase to Club funds of over £7000, a truly remarkable achievement, due to the great efforts of our club members, and supporters. Please rest assured that all your support and efforts are greatly appreciated, and every last penny raised goes back into the community minibus project, and other worthwhile causes on the Island.

The 2017 BBQ will be held again at Northney Farm thanks to the generosity of Stan, Mary and Tim Pike. It is booked for 8th July 2017.

Saturday 12th November is the date for the Pig Race to be held at the Community Centre. In previous years this has proved to be a very popular event, with 7 races planned, and the opportunity to become the owner of the pig for one race, it is an event not to be missed. Tickets at £8 including race card and supper, children under 12 at £5. Tickets will shortly be available from club members, and the usual outlets. The club is looking for Businesses and individuals to sponsor a pig, all proceeds going to local good causes. Please contact our secretary by email at secretary@hibc.org.uk

The club received a letter requesting a loan of our fund raising equipment such as’ Play your cards Right’, and the ‘Coconut Shy’, to support a fund raising event planned for the 3rd September at the Lifeboat Inn. The event is to raise funds for the Rowans Hospice in recognition of the support they gave to the Eames family during the recent passing of a family member at the age of 41, due to cancer. We are very pleased to support this event, and will liaise with the family to finalise arrangements for the loan of our equipment, and arrange delivery and collection.

Hayling Island Businessmen’s club (HIBC) was pleased to sponsor ‘Hayling for St George’ which was celebrated on Sunday 7th August. The weather on the day was sunny but windy, thus ensuring that the people who attended could enjoy the bands and the other activities.

You read and hear about the HIBC Community bus project, but may not know how many years the project, and relevant fund raising has been ongoing. The Hayling Community minibus has been around the Island transporting the elderly, and needy for around 47 years. The first 12 seater minibus rolling on the roads in 1969 with the then 20,000 residents being brought closer together. The minibus has grown to be part of life on the Island, and will always be there for local clubs and societies. The whole service is completely free to users., all they need is a suitable driver no older than 71 years to comply with our current insurance. To keep the minibus in tip top condition it is renewed every 3 years. The funding for this activity over the years needs the club members to be actively involved with all the club raising events, such as the BBQ / Pig Racing / Street collections / Donkey Derby etc. We also have generous support from local business, and club users. So next time you see or use the HIBC Community minibus you can appreciate all the hard work behind the scenes, during the 47 years, which still makes this activity possible for the benefit of the Community. Who knows what the next 40 plus years has in store for the Island, but it is reassuring that with a thriving club the original aims, will be carried forward for the continuing benefit of the community.

If you live and work on the Island, or have recently retired to the Island, and have the time, and desire to be involved, as a member of a worthwhile club, supporting the community, then come along, and be our guest at luncheon which is held every 2 weeks on a Thursday. This will allow you the opportunity to meet the members, see how we operate, and learn about our social activities. There isn’t any pressure on invited guests to decide at the luncheon if they would like to join. You will be free to decide at your leisure, if you wish to formally apply. Look forward to seeing you at our luncheon.

Even though this is a male based club, wives and partners are invited to take part in our social activities, and help out in our fund raising activities. Please talk to a club member for further details, or contact John Cushion our Recruitment officer at recruitment@hibc.org.uk.

HIBC Report for July 2016 By Bruce Mowatt HIBC publicity

What a fantastic evening at the HIBC annual BBQ on 9th July, fine weather, all entrance tickets sold before the event, good entertainment, plentiful supply of food, reasonable priced drinks, and positive feedback from our party goers. To achieve this required Club members, friends, and relatives to toil untiringly for most of the proceeding week, and from very early morning on the day of the event to turn Northney farm into the Islands top party venue. The transformation of the large barn to a night club with ample seating and tables, including bars, stage, sound equipment, and lighting was outstanding. The cooking of the Burgers and Sausages including the spit roast was outside the barn with ample room for additional tables and chairs including side stalls. The dance area’s where quickly filled with happy dancers when the Abba tribute band performed the well-known Abba songs on stage. The D.J. Malcolm Drew ensured that the music continued late into the night. The raffle was well supported, with many prizes being claimed on the night. The reward for all the hard work and support is that the income from this event will enable us to continue running the HIBC community bus and support other worthwhile causes on the Island in the coming year. The club committee would like to thank all the supporters and helpers; we know that without their contribution this event would not be possible. A big thank you to Stan, Mary, Tim Pike, and family for allowing us to once again hold the event at Northney farm. Our chairman Brian Smith stated, that the commitment throughout the year by club members to ensure that everything goes smoothly at the BBQ is truly impressive, as this is not just a mental exercise of organisation, but also quite a challenging physical one. I know that after the ‘clear up ‘we must have all felt like a lie down in a darkened room, I know that I did, but the satisfaction of knowing what we have achieved made it all worthwhile. Thank you to all the businesses and residents of Hayling and the surrounding areas for their attendance and support.

As mentioned last month the club would like to present additional awards for the best male and female Drama students. The new trophies will be in the form of a Janus drama mask in glass. The awards ceremony took place at the College on Friday 15th July, the winners are: – Wally Eagan Award for enterprise went to Harry Silver / Geoff Foot award for Sport went to Owen Lewis / Denis Doney award for male Drama went to Lucas Bradshaw / Dennis Collins award for female Drama went to Lilly Gray. Congratulations to all the award winners from the club

Along with other local organisations the club has contributed towards the refurbishment of the Hayling Island sea front skate park. The aim is to ensure the facilities are improved and updated before the school holidays.

I have been looking through the early club records and thought following statement would be of interest: -During 1965-1966-1967, the club went for strength to strength. An average of £700 a year was raised by members, and spent on the welfare of the needy in Hayling. A new Chairman was elected by the members every year, and the outgoing Chairman presented with an engraved Puter Tankard as a gesture of thanks from the members for his leadership in a most worthy cause. The first 3 Chairmen, were Bob Green, Alec Brenan and Will Venton in that order. Throughout this period the club arranged regular coach outings to beauty spots, and continued to support the annual holiday of some 20 needy people, enabling pensioners to enjoy a week in the Isle of Wight, among other places.

In over 50 years the club still promotes its original intentions, and will continue to ensure that proceeds from events and activities are used towards the running costs of the Hayling Island Community bus, and other deserving local causes.

We are always looking for additional members to join our club, and if you feel that you would like to be part of the team, and help towards the fund raising activities, and join the social side of this club, then please talk to a club member or contact the Recruitment officer at recruitment@hibc.org.uk.

HIBC Report for June 2016 Bruce Mowatt HIBC publicity

The club was very pleased with the support received from the Gable Head Co-op shoppers on Saturday 21st May, who generously contributed to a total collection of £178.06.

The clubs stall at the Lions Donkey Derby event on Saturday 28th May was a great success. The fine weather was an added bonus, and ensured the event was well attended. The tombola tickets at £1 each with a chance to win all sorts of good prizes, went very quickly, combine this with the Bric a Brac, and cake stall, we raised a total of £250 on the day. A big thankyou to all the Islanders and visitors who contributed.

The sell-out evening show on Saturday 28th May at the HIDS theatre featured Isabel Hudson who entertained with a 15 minutes’ selection of her favourite songs, and then an excellent performance by the Hayling College Glee Club. The talent shown by all the singers and dancers, featuring songs from the London Shows: – Joseph / Grease / Oliver / Les Miserables, was very well appreciated by the audience, a standing ovation ensured an encore from the singers. The musical Director Neil Ogley handed control and stage management of the show to the pupils of Hayling College, who are then responsible for all aspects of the evening entertainment. Well done the Hayling College Glee Club. A total of £450 was generously contributed to HIBC.

In recognition of the talent shown by the Hayling Glee club. The HIBC club is considering awarding trophies for music and drama, to the male and female student selected by Hayling college, considered to be worthy of the awards. Will keep you updated on the progress.

The Annual HIBC Hayling Barbeque which will be held on the 9th July at Northney Farm will soon be with us, so if you have not purchased your entrance tickets for this great event, then I urge you to buy them while they are still available. Tickets are priced at £17 each, this includes all you all you can eat barbeque food, with competitively priced beer, soft drinks, and wine bar. An Abba tribute act and disco will ensure your evening entertainment is well catered for. In the event of inclement weather, the main barn will be available, thanks to kind permission from the farm owners Stan and Mary Pike, who once again allow the BBQ to be held at Northney farm.

Tickets for the HIBC grand summer draw are still available to purchase at £5 per book of 5 tickets, or single tickets at £1 each. There are 10 great prizes with a total value of around £2000. Note all prizes are as indicated – no cash alternative.

The prizes are: – One Year’s Leisure Club membership for two at Sinah Warren Leisure Hotel / Overnight break for two at the exclusive 4 star Langstone Hotel / AEG Favola Expresso coffee machine / George Foreman Electric Barbeque / Redmond Multi Cooker / Festive lunch for 4 people with live show at Lakeside Coastal Village / Bosch Electric Toaster / 6 Bottles of quality wines / Range of Spa Beauty products / Bottle of Bells Whisky.

Raffle tickets are available from club members, or on the night at the BBQ. The draw will take place during the evening of the Annual BBQ. Prizes can be claimed on the night with the production of the winning tickets, all other prize winners who are not at the BBQ, will be notified by phone, after the event. A list of prize winners will be published.

The club supports deserving local causes, and this month has donated to a young girl to help raise money for the SILA (Sarcoidosis Charity) she will be entering a ‘Kickathon’ held at the HICC on 17th July. We have also donated to Lucinda Spraggs, a local girl who personally reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and raised a grand total of £4200. She is part of a team who to date have raised over £80000 for ‘Childreach International’. A collection of child rights organisations who work in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and UK to ensure that children can fulfil their potential.

Note: – All proceeds from all the above events and activities is used towards the running costs of the Hayling Island Community Bus and other deserving local causes.