HIBC Supports HIADS Productions – March Report by Dave Stanway

Plans and preparations are currently underway for this years annual HIBC BBQ at Northney Farm. Headlining the entertainment this year is the return of the ABBA tribute band at the request of many of last years revellers. There are stalls and games, food includes burgers, hot dogs, and our usual beef joint that we call ‘the beast’. The night’s entertainment is supplemented by our regular DJ and we always end the night with good old dance.

HIBC are great supporters of the Station Theatre and the excellent performances provided by HIADS, currently showing is Our Man In Havana ; Graham Green’s classic satirical novel is adapted by Clive Francis as a wonderfully funny and fast moving romp! This show is on From Saturday 25^th March until Saturday 1^st April. The club regularly provides tickets for these shows to various old peoples homes on the island and we have recently distributed tickets for the next production by HIADS which will be ‘Dial M for Murder’, showing from Saturday 27^th May through to Saturday 3rd June.  

“Former tennis pro, Tony Wendice, hatches a cunning plot to get rid of his socialite wife, Sheila, when he discovers that she has been having an affair with author Max Halliday. He blackmails a corrupt former schoolmate into murdering her. However, things don’t quite go to plan in a twist of fate that challenges the evil hubby’s talent for improvisation.“

We are in the process of purchasing a public access defibrillator which will be housed on our minibus, with signage on the outside of the bus to let the public know the vehicle carries the device. Working with the Hayling Island First Responders team we will promoting the fact that the mini bus carries the device at all our events. More on this next month when we hope the device will be in place and operational.

The club has members of all ages, young and old all coming together to help Island causes, some of our loyal members have been with the club for many years. One of our longest serving members John Cottle, recently celebrated his 80^th birthday.

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 of 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.

We are currently looking for new members. The club name can be a little misleading as it is not necessary to be a Businessman to join. Anyone with time and the interest to be part of a club with the Ethos of helping the less fortunate on Hayling Island can apply for membership. In addition to aiding this worthwhile cause through the planning and arranging of fund raising events, there are member social gatherings throughout the year. The combination of these activities enables members to build close relationships, and find friends for life. For further information please email recruitment@hibc.org.uk  contact any club member.

Chairman’s Welcome Party – February Report by Dave Stanway

February 8^th saw club members gather at the Langstone Hotel to welcome the new club chairman, Trevor Slydell, and his wife Janice, with drinks, nibbles and two guest speakers. Firstly a presentation from Lucinda Spraggs on her trip to Mount Kilimanjaro with the charity Childreach International, which was financially supported with a donation from the club.

She recounted for members details of her June 2016 adventure to the summit of Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano in Tanzania, and the highest mountain in Africa, rising to around 5900 metres above sea level. She told us of her experiences from the six days climbing the Macheme Route to the ‘Roof of Africa’ including days when she awoke surrounded by clouds high on the mountain side, giving the air a damp feel, with an ever present danger of altitude sickness.

She gave us some examples of how the money she raised helped those that Childreach support, for example £50 provides 20 mothers with maternal healthcare, £10 helps 188 children develop IT skills.

Our second guest speaker was the Michael Cheshire MBE, Commanding Officer of HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship during the battle of Trafalgar. Mike entertained us with an enlightening presentation about Lady Emma Hamilton, asking if she were a Heroin or Survivor. We heard stories of Lady Hamiltons troubled childhood, leading to her travelling to London at the age of 12 where she worked as a model and dancer before forming various relationships with aristocracy and titled gents before meeting Lord Nelson, the rest, as they say is history.

Membership were saddened by the news of the passing of one of our founder members, Paul Wilkins sadly passed away. Paul was club chairman back in 1968, some 4 years into his membership with Hayling Island Businessmens Club, he continued to support the club at every opportunity even after his membership ended. In 2014 Paul was a guest speaker at the 50^th Anniversary celebrations & Chairmans Welcome Party, and more recently was a guest at one of our afternoon lunches.

Mid February HIBC proudly presented an evening with international singing star Janelle Ogley and her husband, former royal pianist Neil. A tribute to the greatest songs composers and singers of all time quite simply an evening of superb quality that was not to be missed. On the 10th and 11th February 2017 the Station Theatre hosted the spectacular show. The audience were treated to a variety of well-known renditions from Gershwin, right through to Dolly Parton, stopping in the middle with a medley of hits from 70’s pop group Queen appropriately providing a link to Neils stories of his time entertaining her Majesty the Queen and other members of the royal family aboard the royal Yacht during his time as a member of the Royal Marine band.

Club members are making preparations towards the summer annual fund raising event at Northney Farm, the BBQ sees the return of the ABBA tribute band by popular demand on the 8th July. Many hours of planning and organisation go into making this a night not to be missed, tickets will be available later in the year. Attraction include not only live music, but our regular DJ keeps party goers in the mood whist they enjoy stalls, games and of course a licenced bar. Typical BBQ food is a major highlight of the event, including a huge hog roast.

A great deal of hard work is envisaged for the coming year, but with the help and generosity of the Island community and businesses a very successful year is in prospect.

We are currently looking for new members. The club name can be a little misleading as it is not necessary to be a Businessman to join. Anyone with time and the interest to be part of a club with the Ethos of helping the less fortunate on Hayling Island can apply for membership. In addition to aiding this worthwhile cause through the planning and arranging of fund raising events, there are member social gatherings throughout the year. The combination of these activities enables members to build close relationships, and find friends for life. For further information please email recruitment@hibc.org.uk  contact any club member.

A New Chairman for 2017 – HIBC Report by Dave Stanway

At this years AGM, held on 11th January a new chairman, Trevor Slydell, was elected for 2017. Trevor joined the club in 1982 and was previously elected Chairman in 1987, exactly 30 years ago. He has held many other positions within the club over the 30 years in between and has been a great supporter of the club throughout. He is looking forward to a positive and productive year ahead.

Trevor is well known in the community and among other business ventures, was joint director of Hayden Garages in Station Road before his recent retirement. Although officially retired, Trevor keeps himself busy restoring vintage cars and helping out at Hayden Vehicle Rentals.

In his review of the last 12 months our outgoing chairman Brian Smith praised the club members for another successful year for the Club. Fund raising had met with some fine efforts including the Donkey Derby stall, Annual Barbeque, Pig Race Night, Christmas street collections, and several other fund raising events.

The Club earned much praise for arranging the senior citizens party at Sinah Warren for the eleventh consecutive year. It was again a great success and was enjoyed by over 300 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.

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 2016 with a number of monetary awards being made to numerous local organizations, including donations to the Hayling Island Community Centre, Hayling Musical Society Young Stars, Mengham Junior School, Hayling For St George, Hayling Island Men’s Shed, Home Alone Senior Residents Christmas Lunch, Buddies, Karate Kickathon Fund Raiser, Kilimanjaro Charity Childreach International and the Skate Park Refurbishment Project. The Club also continued to support students at Hayling College with the Wally Egan Award and Sportsperson of the Year Shield. There were also 2 new awards introduced this year being the Denis Doney award for the best Male Drama student and the Dennis Collins award to the best Female Drama student.

Before closing the meeting, members elected Peter Blake as their Highest Achiever of the Year for 2016 and he was presented with the Doug Broughton Cup for his outstanding services to the Club. The “fun” award of the Wooden Spoon for the Club’s Biggest Stirrer for 2015 was awarded to Pat Keane for the twelfth time! It seems the honour is becoming tradition for Pat.

Membership had been well maintained although a few members are currently out of action with poor health issues. The club paid their respects to one of our members wives this year. Brenda Greenland sadly lost her battle with cancer after a short illness, she was always at the front of the queue to offer help where she could, and made herself a great contributor to the club in so many ways, she will be greatly missed.

Club members are looking forward to the challenges which 2017 will bring. Several of our annual fund raising events are already in the planned stage the ever popular Annual Barbeque on the 8th July, where the ABBA tribute band are returning by popular demand.

HIBC is presenting an evening with international singing star Janelle Ogley and her husband, former royal pianist Neil. A tribute to the greatest songs composers and singers of all time quite simply an evening of superb quality not to be missed. On the 10th & the 11th February 2017 @ 7.30pm @ The Station Theatre, Hayling Island. Tickets can be purchased directly from the Theatre

A great deal of hard work is envisaged for the coming year, 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 e-mail recruitment@hibc.org.uk. You can find out more about what we do by visiting our website at www.hibc.org.uk or speak to a member at any of our forthcoming events.

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.

HIBC Report for December By Bruce Mowatt HIBC publicity

Wednesday 16^th November, 300 ‘not so old’ senior citizens filled the theatre at Sinah Warren Hotel to enjoy a wonderful afternoon at the annual HIBC Christmas party. This is arranged in conjunction with Sinah Warren leisure Hotel. The Sinah team provided the entertainment with an immaculate performance of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk amid much rapport from our guests. Following tea and cakes the audience were invited to join in with their own rendition of the 12 nights of Christmas led by energetic members of the pantomime cast. Judging by the smiling faces the afternoon was once again a great success. Club committee and members would like to sincerely thank the management, staff and entertainments team at Sinah Warren for their considerable generosity, and kindness shown to the Islands senior citizens for laying on the annual event in its eleventh year.

The Piggies came back to Hayling on Saturday 12^th November when close to 160 Islanders and friends enjoyed a night out at the annual HIBC Pig Race. Fortunes were won or lost during the exciting and hard fought races followed by a hearty supper of Lasagne with Garlick bread. The raffle prizes were supplied by several local organisations, traders and club members to whom the club offers many thanks. Special Thanks to Tesco who also generously donated towards the Raffle. Before the last race, the pigs were auctioned to ensure that at least 6 lucky people went home with the bacon! Many thanks to Malcolm Newnes for arranging such a successful evening. Thanks also to everyone who attended the event, and their generous support which helped to raise over £1200 to support local worthwhile causes.

The club was pleased to donate £1000 to the Hayling Island community Centre to help them raise the remaining funds for their building project.

We were also pleased to assist the Hayling Island men’s shed association with a donation of £200 towards the building of the shed, and leasing land from the United Reformed Church.

Mary Thompson BUDDIES is organising to take a group of her members to the Isle of Wight for a Tinsel and Turkey party at the end of this month, the club was pleased to donate £200 towards the cost.

A donation from our member Laurie Noble (Station theatre manager) who received the cheque from a talk he gave recently. He has also been busy assisting member Neil Ogley from Hayling College with 2 future events which will benefit the club. On Thursday 15^th December, the Hayling College seasonal concert featuring all the local schools will be held.  They will present 2 performances at 1430 hours and 1915 hours. The other event will be held at the Station Theatre on Wed 8^th February until Saturday 11^th February 2017, featuring Janelle and Neil Ogley in a musical journey. More details in future reports. 

HIBC will be collecting with the Santa Christmas Sleigh on Tuesday 13^th December, starting at 1715 hours from the corner of St Leonards Avenue, and finishing at Osprey road, North Crescent. Please look out for us, give us a wave, and if possible a donation to ensure that we can continue to help the less fortunate residents on the Island.

Club members are proud that for over 50 years they have survived with a vibrant membership working tirelessly for the benefit of Hayling residents. In addition to supporting local senior citizens, and youth groups, the main aim of the club is the purchase, and running of the Island community mini-bus providing a transport lifeline for many hundreds of Islanders every year. The bus is provided free of charge (the club covering all the cost), to our users.

Why not Join our club and enjoy a friendly social life while helping the local community? Contact or recruitment officer at recruitment@hibc.org.uk

HIBC Community Forum Report for November 2016 – by Bruce Mowatt – Publicity Officer

Members were delighted to support a donation to pay for items of food for Christmas hampers for home alone seniors to help with their Christmas lunch. This event was successfully held last year, and believe that over 30 islanders will enjoy the same benefit this year

I hope you did not miss this exciting annual Pig racing event held at the community centre, on the 12^th November. the event is always well attended with ticket holders, and their families enjoying, the excitement of the evening.

We are always looking for ways to raise funds to support the mini bus, and other local deserving causes. I am pleased to announce the opportunity to attend a fund raising musical evening to be held at the HIADS Station theatre. The evening will be tribute to the greatest song composers and singers of our time, quite simply an evening of superb quality not to be missed. Club member Neil Ogley former royal pianist and his wife Janelle former international singing star, will be performing and have the support of ex Royal Marines musicians which will make the evening sparkle. This evening of spectacular music has been booked for 8^th to 11^th of February 2017. Ticket prices are £15.

The club was pleased to support the Hayling youngsters with a donation towards their SUESSICAL show held on the 27^th Oct. at the Hayling Community Centre

Mengham junior school is aiming to purchase sound and lighting equipment, we are pleased to support their efforts with a donation towards the cost.

Most tickets have now been distributed for the Senior Citizens Pre-Christmas party to be held again courtesy of Sinah Warren Hotel on Wednesday 16th November. The club arranges the party every year in conjunction with Sinah Warren Hotel and up to 300 senior citizens attend

The aim of the club is the purchase and running of the island community mini-bus providing a lifeline for many hundreds of Islanders every year. The bus is provided free of charge (the club covering the cost) to our users. You must provide your own qualified driver.

HIBC community Forum report October by Bruce Mowatt

Due to popular demand from our annual Barbeque Party goers, we have rebooked the Abba tribute band for our next BBQ event in July 2017.

At our recent luncheon meeting we had the pleasure to welcome one of our founder 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 the original aims in supporting the community. His advice was for the club to continue with the good work.

We received thank you letters for the club’s donations to the Hayling Scouts and the First responders, who supported and helped at the annual BBQ.

Arrangements for the Pig race night to be held at the Hayling Community centre on Saturday 12th November are well under way, with tickets priced at £8 and £5 for children. Ticket price includes a race card and supper. The event was held for the first time 4 years ago and over 150 Islanders and friends enjoyed an exciting evening of racing and supper. With a capacity limited to 200 people at the hall, tickets may be in short supply, so recommend that you purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available from club members, also: – Cards for Occasions / Morris Dibben / Geoff Foot Estate Agency all based in Mengham and the Community Centre in West Town.

The club members have been working over the last few months to enlarge and modify our existing garage to accommodate our 17 seater minibus. This involved removing existing walls and extending garage length and height. I am pleased to state that the bus will now fit comfortable into the modified garage. A job well done by members working together.

The club welcomes potential new members as our guest at the luncheon meeting, held every 2 weeks, allowing the guest to see first-hand how the club operates, and meet the existing members. The Chairman declares the meeting open after lunch which allows members to hear and express their options on the latest activities of the club. If you wish to join a thriving club, working for the good of the community. Then please e-mail our recruitment officer for further information: – recruitment@hibc.org.uk

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.