HAYLING ISLAND BUSINESS CLUB – report for April 2016 By Bruce Mowatt

Arrangements for the Annual barbeque are well under way, and the club is anticipating a large demand for tickets. Ticket cost has been maintained at £17 a head, which includes food from the barbeque. 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. An Abba tribute band will be providing the evening entertainment. The date for your diary is Saturday the 9th July, and tickets are available from club members, also Cards 4 occasions, The Hayling community centre. Foots Estate agents, and Morris Dibben.

This year raffle tickets will be available to purchase prior to the day of the barbeque, with fantastic prizes being donated by local businesses. The prize draw will take place at the Barbeque and winners will be able to collect their prizes on the night, or later if not attending the barbeque. More information regarding availability of raffle tickets, and details of prizes in my June report.

Club members were very pleased to receive a donation of £1000 from Age concern representative Kay Hawkins towards the running of the community mini-bus, and support other worthwhile local causes.

A thank you for a donation received from the outcome of a couple of friends having a bet on a football match, the winner decided that the £20 received, would be of more benefit for the club funds.

To support the running of the mini-bus, the club holds street collections during the year at various locations on the Island. The next street collection is arranged for Saturday 21st May from 10-4 at the car park entrance of the co-op at Gable head. The clubs 17 seater mini-bus will be on display during this period. Please look out for club members with collecting tins, give us a smile, ask any questions regarding the club, or future events, and if possible, please donate what you can, to support the community with the running of the Mini-bus.

Although membership of the club remains strong, we always welcome new members. The club has a luncheon meeting every 2 weeks, allowing members the opportunity to enjoy lunch and chat to fellow members. The Chairman will open the formal part of the meeting directly after lunch, allowing members to participate and discuss the items reported by the club council officers. Potential members, and guests invited to the luncheon can meet the members, and experience first-hand how the club operates. It is normal for new recruits to be our guests at 2 or 3 lunches before being accepted as members. Please contact our Recruitment officer at recruitment@hibc.org for more details.

Tickets for the Hayling college Glee club ‘West end Spectacular ‘on 28th May are on sale at the Station theatre box office, or from club members. The show features sections from ‘Joseph’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Grease’, and ‘Les Miserables’. Proceeds from the show will be donated to HIBC.

In case you have not seen the HIBC community bus around the Island, our recent mini-bus acquisition is a smart 17 seater transit which allows easy access for passengers. Any organisation or charity can request the use of the bus providing they can provide a qualified driver. We think this is the best way to help local charities on a continuing basis. Currently the bus is in use during week days, with availability during weekends. To enquire about booking the minibus please contact Trevor Slydell at minibus@hibc.org.uk