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.