2013 – March Report

WINE, DINE AND DANCE WITH HAYLING ISLAND BUSINESSMEN’S CLUB AND THE SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA

Report by John Cushion

Several members of the committee were very pleased to meet with Chris Dean earlier in the month in preparation for the Club’s forthcoming Wine, Dine and Dance evening with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Chris, who heads up the orchestra, gave the members a very interesting overview of the band’s activities which takes it all over the UK and Continent. One of Chris’s fondest memories is recently having a photograph taken of the band in Germany under the wings of a Lancaster Bomber!

Recently voted “Best Big Band in the Land” for the 11th consecutive year, Chris Dean’s SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA continues to thrill audiences in Concert Halls, Theatres, and Music Festivals all over Great Britain. Renowned for its exciting blend of high octane Big Band Swing and Classic Dance Music, the Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Count Basie himself described the Syd Lawrence Orchestra as “So good it should be BANNED!”

Tickets for this great night which is to be held at Mill Rythe Holiday Village on Sunday 24th March are still available from Club members or the following outlets buy hurry they are selling out fast.

Hayling Island Community Centre  023  92  467562

Haydens Garage 023 92 462660

Morris Dibben   023 92 465941

Cards for Occasions  023 92 461103

Lions Community Shop

The Club is pleased to announce its support this year’s Hayling for St George event to be held on Eastoke Plaza on Sunday 21st April. The organisers are hoping for much better weather this year and have numerous attractions lined up starting from midday and ending at 6.30pm. Fuller details of the event will be advertised elsewhere but please keep a date in your diary. The newly refurbished and re-liveried Community Bus will be on display with representatives from the Businessmen’s Club on hand to explain the club’s aims and activities.

Newly elected Mini Bus Chairman Trevor Slydell reports that the Community Bus is still underused particularly in the evenings and week ends. Any local organisation interested in using this very valuable facility should contact Trevor at minibus@hibc.org.uk.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

2013 – February Report

During the meeting held at Seacourt on Thursday 17th January, it was reported that tickets are selling fast for the forthcoming Syd Lawrence Wine, Dine and Dance evening to be held at Mill Rythe Holiday Village on Sunday 24th March. The event which has been very competitively priced at £30 a head including  a 3 course meal should prove to be a tremendous success for the Club and a major boost to its fund raising efforts. Tickets are still available from Club Members and the following outlets.

Hayling Island Community Centre  023  92  467562

Haydens Garage 023 92 462660

Morris Dibben   023 92 465941

Cards for Occasions  023 92 461103

Lions Community Shop

Incoming Mini Bus Chairman, Trevor Slydell reported that the new sign writing had been delayed because of recent damage to the bus, but this should be completed very shortly. Although daytime use continues to be in high demand, the bus is very often not used during the evening. The Club would therefore be interested to hear from any local charitable organization who would like to make use of this very valuable facility either on a “one off” or regular evening basis. Please contact Trevor at minibus@hibc.org.uk or any Club member.

The Club’s thanks go for a donation that has been received from Ian Smith and Caroline MacDowell who  raised funds with a collection from Islanders viewing their magnificent light display in South Road over the Christmas period. This is the second year that Ian and Caroline have chosen to donate the money to HIBC in the knowledge that the funds would be used for the benefit of local residents.

125 Club

January Draw:

£50    102

£50    40

2013 – Summer BBQ

Summer BBQ

This years BBQ includes music by the Take That tribute band ‘TAKE ALL THAT’, be sure to get your tickets early as they will no doubt get snapped up pretty quickly.

We have our usual Hog Roast, Burgers Hot Dogs and more to fill you up.

Stalls and games to make you smile and music to get you up and dancing.

A licensed bar, outside bar and a wine bar tops off the evening.

Our resident DJ will keep you on the dance floor, and all to be topped of with generous helping of Take That trubute act Take All That.

Come & Join us for a great evenings entertainment. Get your tickets early as this is sure to be a sell-out.

2013 – AGM Report

A NEW CHAIRMAN for HAYING ISLAND BUSINESSMEN’S CLUB

Report by John Cushion

The Annual General Meeting of Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club was held at Seacourt on Tuesday 8th January attended by 22 members where members heard an overview of the year and elected a new Chairman, local garage owner, Pat Keane.

In his review of 12 months in office, outgoing Chairman, Ed Spencer reported an extremely successful year for the Club particularly in fund raising with some fine efforts at the annual Barbeque and Pig Race Night along with unexpected donations from Sinah Warren and Geoff Foots. The Club has also been able to forge a positive relationship with the Lions including generous support from them for the cost running the Mini Bus. In return the Club had provided help in the staffing of the Community Shop for which he thanked the member’s wives concerned. Among his numerous other engagements as Chairman, Ed enjoyed attending Hayling College in July where he presented the Wally Egan Award and was also able to give the students a brief resume of Wally’s career and an understanding of the aims of the Businessmen’s Club. In summing up, Ed expressed his thanks for the excellent support he had received from the Officers and Members of the Club which had .helped to make his year in office most enjoyable

Although the main aim of the Club is to purchase, maintain and run the Hayling Island Community Bus, many other worthwhile causes were supported during 2012 with a number of monetary awards being made to numerous local organizations.  In addition, the Club made its normal donations to the Hayling Island Dramatic and also announced a new annual Sportsperson of the Year award for Hayling College. The Christmas party at Sinah Warren was again a great success and was enjoyed by nearly 250 local senior citizens. Club members were in attendance to meet and greet the guests and generally ensure the success of the afternoon. However, many thanks must go to the management, staff and entertainment team at Sinah Warren for their wonderful generosity without which the event would be difficult to stage.

Following the committee reports, Ed Spencer handed over his chain of office to the incoming Chairman Pat Keane.  Born in 1950, in Denmead where he attended school, Pat started his career as an apprentice mechanic at the Southdown Bus Depot. Having married his wife Diana in 1974, his association with Hayling Island started in 1977 when he started his own business, Hayden Garage in West Town. Pat joined the Businessmen’s Club in 1982 and held several offices before becoming Chairman for the first time in 1988. His interest in the Club has continued to flourish since those early days and he is now looking forward to another year at the helm.

In his opening address to members, Pat stressed the importance of continuing to raise the Club profile during the year to ensure that it continues to hold its rightful place in the Island community. Pat reminded members of the Club’s origins and ideals dating back to its foundation in 1964 when a group of businessmen from a wide range of professions living on the Island recognized that there was a need to help residents in less fortunate circumstances than themselves. The simple but humble beginnings set the Club aside from organizations having national or international connections and was thus able to direct all its energies to solely serving Island residents. From that inaugural meeting nearly 50 years ago a standard was set and a determined drive instigated to raise funds for the charitable needs of others which proudly continues to this day.

Before closing the meeting, members elected Malcolm Newnes as their Highest Achiever of the Year for 2012 and he was presented with the Doug Broughton Cup by Chairman Pat Keane for his outstanding services to the Club. Malcolm has held various offices in the Club over the years including secretary in 2012 and Chairman in 2011.

Club members now look forward to the challenges which 2013 will bring. Several new events are planned including the Syd Lawrence Wine, Dine and Dance evening on Sunday 24th March at Mill Rythe Holiday Village together with the continuation of the old favorites including the Annual Barbeque. A great deal of hard work is envisaged but with the help and generosity of the Island community and businesses a very successful year is in prospect.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Club or with an interest in joining is welcome to contact recruitment officer Aksel Arneke at recruitment@hibc.org.uk

2013 – January Report

Best Wishes for the New Year from Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club

The Club Committee and Members would like to wish all Islanders a very Happy New Year with particular thanks to all who supported the Club during 2012. The austere times we live in make it increasingly difficult for people to give up their time and hard earned cash to support us but we are never ceased to be amazed at the willingness of Islanders to help us to help others in less fortunate circumstances.

Our fund raising events for the coming year will include the old favourites of the Annual Barbeque in the summer and the Pig Race Night later in the year. This year we are pleased to announce the revival of our Cabaret Night which will be held on Sunday 24th March at Mill Rythe Holiday Village. This will be a memorable evening of wining, dining and dancing to Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Tickets are already on sale from Club members and the following outlets:

Hayling Island Community Centre 023 92 467562

Haydens Garage, West Town  023 92 462660

Morris Dibben, Mengham  023 92 465941

Cards for Occasions, Mengham 023 92 461103

At the meeting on 13th December, thanks were recoded to Club Assistant Secretary John Greenland and his wife Brenda for all their hard work in arranging the recent stall at the Community Centre Christmas Fayre. A total amount of nearly £400 was raised towards the running of the Community Bus and other worthwhile causes on the Island.

It has been a successful year for recruitment with the Club recently welcoming Peter Blake, David Pawley and Phil Riley into the fold. All three took on the task of helping with the annual street collection in Mengham before Christmas which successfully raised several hundred pounds towards Club funds. Many thanks to all those who contributed. Rest assured that every last penny is spent benefiting worthwhile causes on the Island.

125 Club Winners

December        £50      Number 77

December        £50      Number 92

Report by John Cushion

2012 – Street Collection

HAYLING Island Businessmen’s Club made nearly £350 in its annual street collection.

The club raises money which goes towards the community minibus which can be used by charities or voluntary groups on the island for free.

Generous members of the public donated £343 to the collection in Mengham on December 20th.

Fundraising chairman Marcus Foot thanked shoppers for their generosity.

2012 – December Report

A busy time for Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club. It has been a busy month for the Club with various meetings and events as we approach Christmas.

At the Club meeting on the 1st November, members were delighted to welcome Peter Walmsley from the RNLI who gave an informative and interesting talk on the running of the Institute both locally and nationally. Members were surprised to learn of the tremendous amount of money that has to be raised by voluntary donations ever year to ensure that the RNLI continues to function. The Institute is currently on a major recruitment campaign and any one interested in finding out more should e mail them on hayling-island@rnli.org.uk.

During the month, members were pleased to agree the following donations:

Mengham Junior School to help with the setting up of a Nurture Group which will give support to children who have a range of emotional needs

British Red Cross to assist with fund raising at their Christmas Fayre

The Piggies came back to Hayling on Saturday 17th when well over 100 Islanders enjoyed a night out at the annual HIBC Pig Race Night. Fortunes were won and lost during some exciting and hard fought races followed by a fish and chip supper and surprise raffle supported by several local organisations and traders. Before the final race, the Pigs were auctioned to ensure that at least one lucky person went home with the bacon! The Club’s thanks go to everyone who attended and the following for their generous support which helped raise nearly £1000 on the night.

Hayling Hardare                                                       Langstone Hotel

Sinah Warren Leisure Hotel                                    Terracotta Pot Shop

Haydens Garage                                                        Station Theatre

ECOProducts                                                           Rowanberries Associates

Cameron Developments                                           Bolton Building Services

Pullingers Interiors

Wednesday 21st November saw over 250 “not so old” senior citizens enjoy a wonderful afternoon at the annual HIBC Christmas Party arranged in conjunction with Sinah Warren Leisure Hotel. The Sinah team provided the entertainment with an immaculate performance of Jack and the Beanstalk amid much rapport from the guests. Following tea and cake, the audience was invited to join in with their own rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas led by energetic members of the pantomime cast. Judging by the smiling faces the afternoon was a great success. Club committee and members would like to sincerely thank the staff and entertainments team at Sinah Warren for their considerable generosity and kindness shown to the Island’s senior citizens and for laying on this annual event.

It was also a super day for the Club when secretary Malcolm Newnes was presented with a cheque for £700 by Sinah entertainer Callum McFaden, being the proceeds from the Hotel’s annual charity fund raising events.

Look out for Father Christmas and his helpers at Mengham shops on Thursday 20th December when Club members will be out with their collecting tins come rain, hail or shine. We never cease to be amazed at the generosity of Islanders particularly in these austere times but rest assured that every last penny raised goes towards the running of the Community Bus and other local causes.

125 Club Winners

October           £50      Number 79

October           £50      Number 115

November       £200    Number 25

November       £50      Number 84

November       50        Number 26

Report by John Cushion

2012 – The Piggies are Coming

The piggies are on their way to Hayling and will be on their starting blocks in the Community Hall on November 17th. Tickets for the second running of the HIBC Pig Race Night are now selling fast and a capacity race crowd is anticipated. The event is planned as a family night out with children welcome at the reduced price of £5 which includes a fish & chip supper Adult tickets are priced at £8 which also includes the race card

Pig sponsorships are still available by contacting Club Secretary Malcolm Newnes at secretary@hibc.org.uk and tickets are available form the following outlets. Please remember that all proceeds go towards the running of the Community Bus and other worthwhile local causes.
 
The Lions Community Shop in Mengham
Haydens Garage in West Town on 023 9246 2660
Hayling Community Centre in West Town on 023 9246 7562
Belmont Hairdressers in West Town on 023 9246 8721
Morris Dibben in Mengham on 023 9246 5942
Geoff Foot Estate Agents in Mengham on 023 9246 1666
 
The first performance of the HIADS production of Calendar Girls at the Station Theatre was enjoyed by over 100 senior citizens paid for by the Businessmen’s Club. Sponsorship of HIADS by the club is a regular event and numerous productions have been enjoyed by large audiences over many years. Following the tremendous success of our British athletes in the Olympics the Club is determined to promote local sport by offering a Sports Person of the Year award to Hayling College. This will be a monetary award accompanied by a suitable trophy and will complement the Wally Egan award which the Club already sponsors for academic achievements at the College.
 
Club assistant secretary John Greenland will undertake the running of a HIBC stall at the Lions Christmas Party scheduled for December 1st to be held at the Community Centre. John has appealed to club members for useful gifts for sale. All funds to local worthy causes.
 
The club has received a request from Alan Bartlett, the Publicity Officer for the Hayling Island Branch of the RNLI, to attend a luncheon and give a short presentation to the Club about the critical manning levels at the RNLI. Consequently an invitation has been extended for Alan to come along to the November meeting.

Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club Report By John Cushion

2012 – October Report

HAYLING ISLAND BUSINESSMEN’S CLUB

Arrangements for the Pig Race night to be held at the Community Hall on Saturday 17th November are now well under way. When the event was held for the first time last year more than 150 Islanders enjoyed an exciting evening of squeaking pigs outdoing one another to become race champion. It is expected that there will be a huge demand for tickets which are priced at £8 per adult and £5 for children under 12 years of age which includes a race card and fish and chip supper. With capacity at the Community Centre limited to 200, tickets may be in short supply so please buy early.. The Club is still looking for local businesses or individuals to Sponsor a Pig, all proceeds going to local good causes.

Following extensive repairs and servicing, the Community Bus is now back on the road and fully in use. The Bus will shortly be given a new livery which will include acknowledgements in recognition of the financial support received from various local businesses and organisations.

With all income from the Barbeque now in and all bills paid, Club Treasurer, Glenroy Van Baskerville reported net proceeds amounting to an amazing £4000 all of which will be used for the running of the Community Bus and other local worthy causes. As reported in last month’s edition of the Islander, members devote a great deal of time and energy to the Barbeque which is the Club’s main fund raising event of the year and it is good that these efforts have been justly rewarded.

The senior citizens Christmas Party is due to be held again courtesy of Sinah Warren Hotel on Wednesday 21st November. The Club arranges the party every year in conjunction with Sinah Warren and up to 300 senior citizens attend. Invitations will shortly be distributed to local organisations.

125 Club

August Draw             £50 – 64            £50 – 125            £200 – 96

September Draw            £50 – 47            £50 – 107

Member Profile – John Cottle

Born in North Hayling in 1937, John has been a Club member since 1975 and continues to be actively involved as Club Services Chairman. He served as Club Chairman in 1979 and 1991 and was honoured in 2009 with a lifetime membership in recognition of his many years service to the Club of which he is very proud. In addition to HIBC, John has been involved in many other organisations on Hayling over the years and feels very fortunate to have lived on the Island and been part of its community.

John’s school days were spent at the old Hayling Council School which at the time was the only “none private” school on the Island. Following a 5 year apprenticeship with a large construction company. John qualified as a plumber and after 2 years National Service started his own plumbing and heating business which he continued until his retirement in 2002. John married Iris in 1959 and has a daughter Sharon and two sons Graham and Stephen, the former having taken over the family business in 2002.  

Report

John Cushion