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.