HIBC Report by Bruce Mowatt Publicity Feb 2018

Over 50 people, including members, together with their wives, partners, and guests attended the customary Chairman’s welcome party held at the Langstone Hotel. The newly elected Chairman Peter Blake was pleased to welcome the party goers to the event. The Hotel as always served an excellent Buffett, and after the formalities we were entertained to a presentation from the Chairman’s son, Dave Blake who for the last 20 years has held many senior management positions in the Global Sports industry. His work has enabled him to be involved in and attend many top sporting events around the world. He shared a few of his experiences with us, which was enjoyed by all. The time remaining allowed the party goers to socialise with each other. The evening was a great success and we were soon reluctantly making our ways home.

Recruiting new members to the club is an important requirement, and the club members are pleased to welcome 2 new recruits so far this year to the club. New recruits are requested to purchase the club tie which is proudly worn at our luncheon meetings and formal social functions during the year. New members are always made to feel welcome, and enjoy an active social life, while contributing to our fund-raising activities during the year.

The club meets every 2 weeks with luncheon promoting a relaxed atmosphere when members have the opportunity to participate, and discuss the latest events as reported by the club council officers.

This year the Annual BBQ is on Saturday 14th July at Northney farm and will feature songs from the musical ‘Grease’ the versatile band will ensure we all dance the night away to help burn the calories from the ‘help yourself’ feast available during the evening. This is always a very popular event and suggest that you make a note in your diary to ensure you do not miss the opportunity to purchase tickets.

The HIADS theatre will be featuring a ‘Skiffle and Song’ evening on Saturday 2nd June to raise funds for the club from ticket sales, I am sure the popular Skiffle group and singer will be an event to look forward too.

Another date to put in your diary is Friday 21st December, it will be a HIBC ‘Gala Christmas Party’ with a 3 course Christmas meal, then an evening to include live music from the ‘Sailaways,’ plus an Abba tribute show, and Disco with DJ. This will be held at the Sinah Warren Hotel, the club will be selling tickets, and our funds will benefit from ticket sales. If you are looking for the ideal venue for the 2018 office Christmas party with tickets priced at £39 each, also rooms (if you would like to stay the night) at £65 per couple, then I suggest you contact the club to make provisional bookings at tickets@hibc.org.uk

There is currently availability of the 17 seat HIBC community bus at weekends. Any local organisation wishing to use the facility either on a one off, or regular basis is welcome to contact the bus manager Trevor Slydell at minibus@hibc.org.uk Please remember that although the use of the bus is free you must provide your own driver who to comply with our insurance requirements, should be no older than70 years of age and hold a clean licence. The bus also has a Defibrillator available on board.

The club as in previous years had provided 80 complimentary tickets for allocation through the senior citizens clubs to see the next production at the HIADS theatre ‘The Madness of George 111’ held on 19th March until the 24th March.

If you feel that you wish to join the club, or come along as a guest to our luncheon to meet us, before applying for membership, please contact the recruitment officer: – recruitment@hibc.org.uk or speak to a member at any of our social events