Hayling College Awards – Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club – Report by John Cushion

In addition to running the Community Bus, Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club also helps many other organisations on the Island. In recent years an increasing amount of support has been given to youth groups and it was our pleasure to sponsor two awards at the Hayling College at the final assembly of the year on 17^th July. In addition to the splendid trophies all winners receive a monetary award.

The award for Sportsperson of The Year in memory former Club Chairman Geoff Foot was presented to Ben Todd who the College simply describe as “a fantastic sailor” The trophy was presented by Geoff’s son Marcus Foot.

The award for Achiever of the Year in memory of a former Club Chairman Wally Egan was awarded jointly to Scarlett Vadgama and Anna Eglin for showing extremely promising enterprising skills when preparing for a Business and languages challenge.  Scarlett and Anna created their own corporate identity and developed a marketing strategy to promote their business in the target language. They both displayed mature and thoughtful interpersonal and communication skills and carried out research which showed a calm and methodical approach to problem solving. Both Scarlett and Anna thoroughly deserved to be recognised for their extremely mature and professional towards the challenge. The Trophy was awarded by HIBC Chairman John Cushion.

A complete Sell Out!!

Report from Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club – John Cushion

With all tickets sold well in advance of the event the annual HIBC Barbeque was a complete success. The weather was magnificent, the food excellent, the Take all That tribute band outstanding and by the look on the faces of 500 party goers everyone had wonderful evening. Club members, friends and relatives toiled untiringly for most of last week and from very early morning on Saturday to turn Northney Farm into the Island’s top party venue. Work finished just in time for the arrival of the first guests, and soon the beef was being carved, the burgers and sausages sizzling and the beer and wine flowing. The various side stalls were kept busy all evening and dancing to Take all That and DJ Malcolm Drew carried on far into the night. And the reward for all the hard work and support? Proceeds of several thousand pounds towards the running of the HIBC Community Bus and other worthwhile causes on the Island in the coming year. A truly remarkable effort!

Whilst it is not possible to acknowledge everyone individually in this report the Club committee would like to thank everyone for their support, ticket sales, raffle prizes, supply of equipment and an enormous amount of help before and on the night. Special thanks to Stan and Mary Pike and son Tim for use of the barn and farm facilities.

If you have not already secured your tickets for this years BBQ, then sadly you have missed the boat. All tickets are now sold meaning it will be a busy night, but no doubt a good one too.

The evening is headlined by the Take That tribute band “Take All That”. With the usual great food, games and stalls, the evening is always a successful one, and it looks like the weather will be kind to us this year.

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.

Sainsbury’s in Mengham had the honour of hosting a visit by the Paralympic torch last month.

Dozens of people took the chance to hold the torch and take pictures during the two-and-a-half hour visit on August 21st.

Deputy Store Manager Sara London said “It was a fantastic event, with a great turn-out. When the torch arrived, there were already about 30 people queuing up to take part. Lots of local people and holiday makers joined in. The staff helped, to greet people and had their photo taken with the torch as well”

The Mayor of Havant, Councillor Gerald Shimbart and his wife Elaine also paid a visit. Councillor Shimbart said “ Among the people were many young children and it was lovely to see the enthusiasm with which they held the torch while being photographed”

Also waiting to greet everyone outside the store were Islanders Melvyn & Angie de la Riviere who both volunteered to assist with both the 2012 Olympics and as Paralympic gamemakers.

They were expecting to work for the whole 12 days of the Paralympics in the athletics stadium, helping visitors and athletes, and enjoying a glimpse of the events.

Melvyn said “When we heard that the torch was coming to Mengham, we asked if we could come along. It has been great fun and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves”

Melvyn is also an active member of the Hayling Island Businessmens Club, he and Angie are both well known for the Knickers stall they run at the annual summer BBQ at Northney Farm.

Sadly Enid Egan, wife of Wally Egan who himself died in 2007 and was an active and respected past member of the Businessmens Club, passed away recently. Sincere condolences to her family & loved ones.

The funeral will be held on Monday 13th August at Portchester Crematorium at 14.30.

Despite the unbelievably cruel weather, the BBQ tonight is still going ahead, we have provided as much under cover as we can and according to the latest weather reports there is little chance of more rain tonight.

Due to popular demand we are bringing back the Annual BBQ at Northney Farm, July 14th 2012, make a note in your diary and keep a lookout for posters around the Island.

We have had many requests to make the annual BBQ at Northney Farm more family friendly, as a result we have decided to postpone it until later in the year, 17th September 2011, when we will be back with our new look event. It will be more accessible and welcoming to children, with more events and attractions, keep a look out for our banners around the island in August.