2016 – September Report

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.