Hayling Island News

Hayling Island Home Guard

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:17:11 +0100

Can you help us identify the faces in this photograph?

Hayling Islands BEST group have uncovered this great photograph of the Islands war time Homeguard and are hoping to identify all of the faces pictured.

A larger version of this image together with details of how you can help can be found on our forum here.

Bridge Work Starts Monday

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:35:40 +0100

Remedial work on the Hayling/Langstone bridge is due to start on Monday to address issues with the painting of the railings.

Since shortly after the installation of new railings was completed in 2003 concerns have be raised over how it has stood up to the Hayling weather. Large amounts of the west facing paintwork has been worn down or flaked off.

The work which is due to begin today is to address "issues with the original workmanship" and will hopefully improve the appearance of this important gateway site.

Whilst the work is carried out one footpath at a time is due to be closed. There may also be disruption to traffic flow overnight. The work is scheduled to take 3 weeks.

National Community Action Day

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:33:37 +0100

National Community Action Day on 16th May*

Jobsite (www.jobsite.co.uk)volunteers will be involved in two projects which have to be done in a day!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1) Helping to clean up the Mengham Youth Caf� on Hayling ie. external repainting tree planting. Working with a team from Carrillion

Both companies will donate the paint plants lights signage and a mural reflecting the activities at the centre which are boxing karate gymnasium Youth Caf� and football.

Power FM and ITV have promised to record the days events.

No chance of Anneka Rice attending however!

Hayling Beauty

Sat, 10 May 2008 18:55:30 +0100

Hayling Islands Kylie King has been selected as 1 of 21 finalists for this years "Miss Portsmouth" competition.

Not content with being an amazing mover and being a part of the best dance group and clubwear brand in the UK... Not happy with just watching her boyfriend DJ but becoming one herself... Kylies now taking a step into the modelling world aswell!

Id like to congratulate Kylie on being selected as a finalist and wish her all the best with the competition shes managed to excel in everything shes done so far shes setting herself goals and achieving them all one by one... So good luck with this venture!

The winner goes through to compete for the Miss England title this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I cant think of anybody I know thats more deserving than Kylie she puts her heart into everything she does!

To win she needs to gain as many votes as possible... The votes cost 60p plus your standard call or text charges which I admit is a little steep but its a small price to pay to give somebody such a huge opportunity!

Im not going to beg you to vote for her as being selected as a finalist is enough of an achievement on its own but as a fellow Islander and if you feel she deserves to win then please text Kylie King to 84205! To vote on a landline dial 0901 6561525 and key in 12.

please spread the word if you can thank you!

We appreciate your support!

Thank you!

�Classic Transport Gathering� this Sunday at the Hayling Railway

Tue, 06 May 2008 18:55:16 +0100

The volunteers of the Hayling Railway Society in association with the LL Club and Hayling Legends will be hosting a classic transport rally at the Hayling Railways Beachlands station next to the roller coaster in the car park of the Funland Amusement Park on Sunday 11 May.

A variety of classic vintage veteran or just plain out of the ordinary vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be arriving on site from 11 am onwards while an intensive service of passenger trains will operate on the one mile narrow gauge light railway to Eastoke Corner.

Admission to spectators is free and although theres no need to book a place owners of conveyances of a suitable pedigree can contact event organiser Michael Jeavons on 023 92 649474 or email m.jeavons@ntlworld.com.

Information about the Hayling Railway can be found at http://www.easthaylinglightrailway.co.uk/ email haylingrailwayevents@ntlworld.com

Hayling Needs You

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:59:09 +0100

Andy Lenaghan has asked us to assist with a problem;
-----------------------------------

From - Andy Lenaghan======================
Hants County Council are having difficulty in replacing the school crossing patrol at the two Mengham Schools.
This is a dangerous area as two schools are served by this patrol and a notorious stretch for drivers being less than courteous some very aggressive.
It is two hours per day and the rate is 6.87 per hour.
They would also like to build a data base of people willing to do the job at short notice when sickness or other reasons for absence arise.
A good idea would be to job share which they will consider.
Please e mail me on andrew.lenaghan@havant.gov.uk and
I will forward your application or direct to Hants County Council robina.hatchett@hants.gov.uk

From =Andy Lenaghan==========================
I am a ward Councilor in Hayling Island West and the absence of a School crossing patrol in Elm Grove
Hayling Island has been bought to my attention on several occassions recently.
Could you please update me on the situation as this is of a serious concern in view of the fact
that there are two schools within the vicinity and the standard of driving is aggressive to say the least
especially in the mornings.

From=Robina Hatchett============================
Thank you for your enquiry. We are aware of this vacancy in Elm Grove.
The previous school crossing patrol left on 1st April and shortly after that date I had an expression of interest in the job from one of the mothers
unfortunately she has not returned the application form so has possibly changed her mind about doing the job.

In the meantime I advertised the vacancy through the two schools as part of our routine procedure when vacancies arise -
the children have flyers to take home and there should be posters around the school sites hoping to attract family members.
To my knowledge we have not received any interest although the Human Resources Department handle all application forms and
I will check with them after the weekend to see if any have been received.

Is it possible that you could help us with this recruiting problem?
If I arrange to send you some A4 posters could you place them in suitable places such as nearby shops/library etc or
places where people congregate like community halls or doctors surgeries.
This would be very helpful. If you are willing to do this please let me have an address for posting.

From=Robina Hatchett============================
Thank you very much I will put some posters in the post to you.

Unfortunately we do not have a reserve list of volunteers.
We do have a few "Relief" staff but they operate on specific sites close to where they live.
The hourly rate is 6.87 at present and we pay staff for 2 hours work per day. We do not reimburse travelling expenses.
When I send you the posters I will mention the need for relief patrols also the fact that we would be happy for people to job-share.

I will send the posters through as soon as possible. Thank you for your assistance.

Robina Hatchett

======================================================

All systems go for Eastoke Corner�s �Playing on the Plaza�.

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:20:56 +0100

The first of the Haylings BEST MTI Groups innovative series of Playing on the Plaza alfresco music events at Eastoke Corner Hayling Island is all set for this Bank Holiday Sunday afternoon between 3pm and 5pm.

After an opening ceremony performed by newly re-elected Hayling West councillor The Worshipful Mayor of Havant Mr Vic Pierce-Jones. Youth will be to the fore as the inaugural concert will gets under way with a performance from Four Fingers a rock band originating from Havant College.

Then in a change to the originally advertised programme we will be joined for a short interval set by local girl band Minds Gone Blank before we conclude the afternoon with the powerful lyrics melodic bass and funky upbeat percussion of our headline act Rusty Strings.

Information on this and other forthcoming Playing on the Plaza concerts can be found at www.playingontheplaza.co.uk together with links to the full programme of exciting 2008 events from the Haylings BEST MTI Group.

BIKE RIDE CHARITY NIGHT

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:42:30 +0100

The annual Charity Cheque Presentation Evening at Seacourt took place on Saturday 5th April. All riders participating in last years 1000000 Ride had collected their sponsorship by this date which is a surprising first for the bike ride as there are usually at least a couple of very late sponsorship collectors (those on the naughty list according to Charities Liaison committee member Kerry West). The trend is now for riders to send their sponsorship directly to their favoured charity often via the Justgiving fundraising website rather than via the Bike Rides charitable arm known as ACE (Association for Charitable Endeavours). In fact of the 104505 (including Gift Aid) recorded as having been raised from Ride 2007 63863 was sent direct which is over 60% more than double the proportion of a few years back.

There was a good audience of the mainly local beneficiaries of donations on the night with over 12000 being handed out and more than 50 in attendance plus riders and support crew. There was a very popular showing of Councillor David Collinss video version of last years ride with lots of sympathy from the attendees for how we had to cope with all the rain bringing back soggy memories for us riders! After the presentations there was a light buffet and the chance for the charities to network as well as meet riders and support.

Over 100 charities and deserving causes were nominated by riders and the organising committee and the following is a full list of beneficiaries and the amounts they have received from the 1000000 Ride:
Age Concern (Hayling Island) - 500; Alzheimers Society - 150; Batten Disease Family Association - 825; BBC Children in Need Appeal - 160; BBOWT - 760; Breakthrough Breast Cancer - 526; Breast Cancer Campaign - 275; British Heart Foundation - 350; British Lung Foundation - 505; Cancer Research UK - 7000; Canine Partners for Independence - 1350; Cedar - 400; Chapel Lane Preschool - 2539; Charlene Alloway - 250; Chasecare - 975; Chestnut Tree House Childrens Hospice - 160; CLIC Sargent - 1425; Cookworthy Museum of Rural Life - 300; Cruse Bereavement Care - 265; Cystic Fibrosis Trust - 610; Derek Biggs - 100; Diabetes UK - 4345; Elizabeth Foundation - 3450; Emsworth Stroke Club - 148; Everyman - 470; Friends of Hayling Trees - 100; Friends of Radiotherapy (FORT) - 100; Friends of St Marys Church - 830; Friends of the Animals - 370; Gaucher Association - 505; Grace & Hope Foundation - 410; Hannahs Holiday Home Appeal - 400; Haste - 400; Hayling College - 250; Hayling Guides - 250; Hayling Health Centre - 100; Hayling Island Community Centre - 100; Hayling Island Cricket Club - 2500; Hayling Island First Responders Scheme - 100; Hayling MTI - 250; Hayling Police Helmet Cam - 632; Hayling Red Cross - 100; Hayling Scouts - 250; Head & Neck Cancer - 4000; Heartbeat - 1082; Hi Y Caf� - 400; HUFC - 750; HUFC Ladies - 100; In Ministry to Children - 200; Isle of Wight Hospice - 150; Joint Action - 2755; Langstone Sailability - 750; Leukaemia Research - 1545; Macmillan Cancer Support - 1270; Mencap - 275; Mengham Infant School - 250; Mengham Junior School - 250; Mill Rythe Infant School - 250; Mill Rythe Junior School - 250; MNDA (Reading) - 268; MNDA (S.E. Hants) - 910; MNDA (Hants Dorset IoW &CI) - 250; Mothers Union (HI) - 300; MS Bristol - 1000; MS Society - 4070; Naomi House - 4641; National Autistic Society - 1590; Noahs Ark Trust - 310; Operation Smile UK - 3700; Orbis - 400; PALS - 395; Piam Brown Childrens Cancer Ward - 455; Portsmouth & Victoria Swimming Club - 300; Portsmouth Carers Association - 25; Portsmouth High School Juniors - 250; Portsmouth Hospitals Rocky Appeal - 100; Rachel Maddocks School - 650; Rezurgence - 6735; RNIB - 443; RNLI - 970; S.I.D. - 100; Salisbury Hospice Care Trust - 705; Samantha Dickson Research Trust - 600; SANE - 500; Save the Children - 100; Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary - 579; St Andrews PCC (Ghana Appeal) - 650; St Marys Maternity Unit - 750; St Wilfrids Hospice - 1546; Start (leprosy) - 100; Stroke Association - 1495; Sue Ryder - 100; Sussex Snowdrop Trust - 405; Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust - 881; The Lady Taverners - 1256; The Rainbow Centre - 1712; The Ridgeway Primary School PTA - 1355; The Rowans (Portsmouth Hospice) - 3075; Topaz Twirlstars - 100; Volunteer Centre West Berkshire - 715; Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance - 175; Wessex Cancer Trust - 900; Wessex Wight Appeal - 875; Winstons Wish - 70; Woodland Trust - 180; WSPA - 450; Yorkshire Animal Shelter - 246.

New website
The website for The Paris to Hayling Charity Cycle has had a total new facelift with the design being created by Hayling Island web designers Brit-net publishers of the www.hayling.co.uk website. Please visit www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk to see the results (even if you werent familiar with the old one!).

Channel to Channel Ride
The 9th Channel To Channel will take place on the week-end of the 17th and 18th May. This year we will again be starting from Weston-Super-Mare as we did in 2000 to 2005 this time with a change of rout through the Somerset Levels. As usual we will overnight in Salisbury before returning to Hayling. This event offers a great opportunity for some practice before our big event in July or can be enjoyed as an alternative ride for those unable to join us in France. Anyone interested in entering should contact Paris to Hayling President Pete McQuade on 07825 363 076 (mcquadep@aol.com) as there may still be places available.

Details for Ride 2008
We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest in the years 23rd event Le Tours de Tours. We have had over 230 application for entry and are operating waiting lists on both the shorter 3�-Day and the longer 6-Day Ride. We had originally planned to take 180 riders but we should be able to accommodate more in the hotels we have booked should the normal anticipated level of cancellations not occur. Dates are 13th and 15th July returning on Sunday 20th July for a Welcome Back reception at Hayling College courtesy of HUFC. Riders are expected to raise at least 150 for the charity of their choice.

Phone enquiries to 023 9246 1412 or by post to Paris to Hayling PO Box 30 Hayling Island Hants PO11 9UD. Mobile 07770-888501.
Website - http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk
e-mail address paul.fisher69@ntlworld.com

PAUL FISHER 25/04/2008

HIRA Flooding Meeting Allays Fears.

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:28:45 +0100

HIRA Report for May 2008-04-20

The HIRA open meeting on flooding and sea defences was flooded out with Islanders wishing to hear about the actions being taken to ensure that Hayling would be protected adequately in the future. Attendance was over 70 people and the reduced size hall was barely able to cope.

Paul Fisher introduced the presentations which were by Lyall Cairns of Havant Borough responsible for erosion issues along the beach and Ian Tripp of the Environment Agency responsible for flood protection mainly on the land fronting the harbours. Paul had to apologise that the numbers present precluded the possibility of refreshments being provided during the evening given that the normal kitchen was closed for the alterations to the hall.

Lyall has been involved with and is responsible for managing the Hayling sea defences and for many years has been the best source of local information on the topic. His presentation covered many related topics and a few key aspects are reported here.

First he made the point that defending your property is your own responsibility and that the council only is involved when the total loss of asset value in some way matches the cost of providing suitable protection for a locality. Thus more houses in an area justify greater expenditure than fewer. For this reason Eastoke has been the priority because of the total value of property that can be protected is greater than in Northney by comparison where far fewer houses are involved. As work is completed and funds become available lower priority areas will be dealt with. Money is granted for particular schemes and once they are agreed they will be funded. As Eastoke is the local priority the works done here were used as examples of the general approach to be taken.

When work became necessary some 30 years ago a number of options for Eastoke were considered ranging from a complete concrete sea wall to the scheme currently adopted. Once the current approach had been agreed 400 000 cubic metres of shingle were placed along the beach and suitably distributed. As this material moves with time the programme demands material replenishing at intervals as has taken place over the years. At first sight this might appear to be an expensive option but if the through-life costs are discounted over the life of the scheme (many decades) the effective cost of the scheme adopted are just over half that of other more ambitious options. It is important to note that in these costings only protection of building values is considered.

Lyall said that the scheme is designed to protect the property from destruction and that in severe conditions water may overtop the defences and enter the land on which properties are built. It is at this point that the householder is expected to make his own provision to prevent water ingress. In recent cases some householders did not take sufficient precautions to prevent this happening. To assist in helping here posters are displayed in Eastoke offering advice and contact numbers to help in this matter.

Consultation is about to take place relating to improving the defences west of Chichester Harbour entrance and the decisions here may well involve more use of rock revetments and this approach may be used further in the future.

Lyall described considerable technical support activities that took place to monitor the wave conditions beach profiles and water depth to ensure that the fullest possible understanding of the processes that affected the beach erosion were understood and used to minimise their effects. Hayling was lucky in that necessary dredgings to maintain water depth at Chichester Harbour entrance were locally available minimising the cost of beach replenishment.

Lyall mentioned the many Groups with which he was involved looking at the whole issue of flood and erosion prevention along our coastal region. He also mentioned the effect that new planning laws had on limiting building in flood prone areas.

Ian Tripp then gave an overview of the more general case of flooding in the harbours largely due to tide level rather than wave action. The whole coastline is divided into sections and the flood risk assessed for each. Depending on that assessment of risk priorities for action are agreed. Apart from some work still to be done in the north of Eastoke one of the next areas if priority is in the Saltmarsh Lane area and this involves the Billy Trail and its possible re-alignment.

The Selsmore plan is being held up by discussions on compensation flooding in which any land taken from the Harbours needs to be replaced by allowing an equivalent area to flood elsewhere. It is expected to have this resolved this month so that this programme may be allowed to continue.

All approved schemes are designed to meet the 1:200 criterion. This means that any scheme implemented is not expected to fail more than once in 200 years. (Later in questioning it was stated that insurance companies accepted a 1:75 criterion in relation to flooding on the basis that other catastrophes (fire etc.) were more likely to occur. Thus any house in an area that has been protected should not suffer an increased premium.)

Generally all schemes were re-assessed every ten years or so to determine whether they were still appropriate. Individuals have a full right to maintain their own protection schemes but not improve them without permission. (This again is a very contentious area and has been the subject of considerable local argument.)

Sea level rise was discussed. Historic evidence in this are suggests that the sea level has been rising by between 1 and 3mm/annum over the last 100 years. However these figures are very uncertain due to the inaccuracy of measurement. Current figures on which assessments are to be made are 4mm/annum for the next 25 years and higher values after that. These figures are computer model predictions and are subject to continual re-assessment.

From the point of view of individual residents in flood risk areas the most important impact of the work of the EA is the Flood Warning Programme. In the event of an imminent threat all people registered in the scheme are given a warning by phone fax or email that they are at risk so that they can take any appropriate precautions. (The Floodline number is 0845 988 1188 and this will tell you how to register for this service. ANYONE living in Eastoke should register.)

Paul closed the meeting by thanking the presenters and expressing the hope that the meeting had clarified issues and reduced peoples fears for the future.

Rose in June.

A planning application has been put in for flats on this site. HIRA firmly believes this site is far to important to be used for this purpose as it is the only remaining space for any sort of community resources in the `Mengham area. If you feel strongly about this please object to HBC.

Local Development Framework.

Consultation will be closed on this by the publication of this issue unless the period is extended. HIRA hopes that interested Islanders will have made their comments as this will become the blueprint for Haylings future.

Station Theatre.

I always try to attend shows at the Station Theatre. HIADS productions are always excellent and long may they continue. The recent Musical Society Gershwin production was outstanding and I know many people were unable to get tickets. HIADS were instrumental in permitting and performing the Haylings BEST Grand Event prepared by Robin Walton at which the stocks concept was launched. The Theatre has also hosted numerous other events affecting the local community. We should all therefore be immensely grateful for the facility and the work all the Society members put in on behalf of themselves and many other elements of Island life. In view of all the various happenings that take place it is sometimes surprising that many peoples say that they have never been there. Perhaps they should try going and help make the events there even more successful than they are already.

Tony Higham

Chairman: Paul Fisher 92461412

Membership: Brenda Greenland 92466716

Notice Board: Lois Neale 92469339

Reporter: Tony Higham 92464723.

Literary News

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:22:15 +0100

Art in Fiction

Look out for the Art in Fiction promotion in Hayling and Havant Libraries running throughout the month of May as part of the May Days Arts Trail 2008.
You can pick up a booklet from the Libraries featuring a selection of titles featuring artwork or artists as inspiration.
On Tuesday May 6th at 7.30 pm thriller writer James Twining will be at Hayling Library speaking about the fascinating world of art theft inspiration for his magnificent series of exciting novels: The Double Eagle The Black Sun and The Gilded Seal. James Twinings first novel The Double Eagle was a fast paced enjoyable conspiracy/caper story. It introduced us to retired art thief Tom Kirk his former fence/current business partner Archie and FBI Agent Jennifer Browne. He will be signing copies of his books after the talk. Tickets 3 in advance from Hayling Library on 02392 461534.
On Monday May 12th at 7.30pm Sri Lankan writer and artist Roma Tearne will be at Havant Arts Centre speaking about her debut novel Mosquito which was shortlisted for the 2008 Costa First Novel Awards. Inspired by several paintings when constructing scenes for the book; Roma also painted some scenes before writing them down. Roma herself fled Sri Lanka with her parents when she was ten and she is the only female Sri Lankan author writing about her countrys conflict today. As author and visual artist she is currently on a fellowship at Oxford Brookes University. This illustrated talk will give unique insights into her different creative processes. Her second novel Bone China was published in April. Tickets are available from Havant Arts Centre 4.95 4.20 (concs.) 2.50 members.

Havant Literary Festival

The first Havant Literary Festival will be taking place 25th- 28th September 2008 the objective will be to establish a celebration of the written and spoken word in the Borough. A very varied programme featuring poets and writers past and present will be available over the four days with events across the Borough for all ages and interests. Details of the Festival will be provided in coming months and Membership forms for the Festival Society are available from The Hayling Island Bookshop for anyone wishing to support or take part in running the Festival.

Super Heros Required

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:56:33 +0100

KIDS is a national charity which provides a wide range of services for disabled children young people and their families.

Our work is unique; we support all children and young people regardless of disability or condition. We provide over 30 different services include developmental play parent and baby groups pre-school nursery play schemes out reach services residential respite and a young carers support group. We also offer advice and training to families and professionals.

In Hampshire we are working with over 700 families.

We are looking for Super Heros to do a tandem skydive and help us raise vital funds.

This is an amazing adrenaline experience just imagine the thrill as you jump from a plane at 10000 feet!

It is also a great way to show your support for KIDS.

There are many dates available throughout the summer and there is no cost to you if you raise the minimum sponsorship of 395.

To find out more and to register your interest call 01329 312 312 or email matt.wilkinson@kids.org.uk or visit www.kids.org.uk

'National Drive it Day' - Sunday 20 April!

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:55:02 +0100

By Ian Edwards with photographs by Bryan Matthews.

Funland car park by the Hayling Railway will be the place to be for all lovers of classic motoring on the afternoon of Sunday 20 April when National Drive it Day comes to Hayling. A convoy of vintage vehicles from the South Hants Vehicle Preservation Society supported by the Islands own Hayling Legends will be arriving at Beachlands Railway Station during the afternoon as part of a whistle-stop tour of Hampshire highways and byways.

National Drive It Day is a nation wide event organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs a grouping of over 450 local car clubs throughout the country created to Uphold the freedom to use old vehicles as part of An ongoing campaign to raise public awareness of the historic vehicle movement.

The April 20th date was chosen for this the second annual event as On that day in 1900 64 cars set out from London on the first day of the famous Thousand Mile Trial round Great Britain an incredible undertaking by those early motor cars and their pioneering drivers and one which deserves annual celebration.

The concept behind the event is that Britains vintage vehicle owners should Get their vehicles out so they can be seen by the public. If the vehicle is suitable it could be used instead of modern transport for daily activity. To go to work take a trip to the seaside enjoy a day out in the country visit a stately home or just go shopping.

In the spirit of the event the Hayling Railways own vintage locomotives 1940 Ruston diesel Alistair and its younger 1969 sibling Edwin will be on display taking their share of the days work with the ever popular 1988 built Jack the Seaside Engine.

Hayling Island and the Seaside Railway and Funland in particular is fast becoming a popular destination for vintage car enthusiasts and rallys. 2008 already having witnessed the annual New Years Day visit of the Pompey Puddleducks Citroen 2CV Owners and a February visit by classic Lotus sports cars.

While Sunday 11 May will see the Hayling Railways own annual Classic Transport Day run in conjunction with Funland the Double L (Local Locomotion) Club and the Islands very own Hayling Legends.

�Rusty Strings� to headline Eastoke�s 'Playing on the Plaza'.

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:52:37 +0100

Memories of the traditional English seaside bandstand will be evoked in modern form this summer as the multi award-winning Haylings BEST MTI Group hold an innovative series of free public concerts on Eastoke Corners new Liveability Plaza under the Playing on the Plaza banner.

The two hour community led events will take place between 3pm and 5pm on selected Sunday afternoons throughout the season. Offering seaside entertainment both for promenading Islanders and the increasing number of visitors fuelling the current regeneration of Hayling as a popular resort and vibrant living community.

Haylings BEST are proud to announce therefore that the line up for the inaugural concert on Bank Holiday Sunday 4 May has now been finalised. Following the opening performed by The Worshipful Mayor of Havant Hayling West Councillor Vic Pierce-Jones the event will get under way with a set showcasing the Islands home grown youth talent courtesy of Hayling Colleges very own rock band Four Fingers.

While listeners to 93.7 Express FM s regular Sunday afternoon Music Fusion Radio Show will need no introduction to our interval guests Music Fusion! Meeting regularly at the Hayling Community Centre in West Town Music Fusion is the one of 24 Youth Music Action Zones in England and Wales providing music-making activities for young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

Headlining the gig will be Rusty Strings a locally based group with a chilled acoustic sound promising powerful lyrics melodic bass and funky upbeat percussion strongly influenced by Bob Dylan The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Kooks.

After the inaugural performance on Bank Holiday Sunday 4 May Playing on the Plaza will continue on Sundays May 25 June 22 July 27 August 24 and September 28. Full details of forthcoming concerts will be posted as soon as they become available here and on the new Playing on the Plaza website to be found at www.playingontheplaza.co.uk

Cabaret Night with TOM O'CONNOR

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:51:54 +0100

Hayling Island Businessmens Club Cabaret Night with TOM OCONNOR
13th April 2008 6.30 until midnight
This years Cabaret Night is on Sunday 13th April 2008 at Sinah Warren Hayling Island.

By popular demand after a very successful appearance some years ago we have managed to book the very funny Tom OConnor again. Ticket prices are 26.00 per person which includes a three course carvery meal followed by Tom OConnor Disco and Dancing.

To avoid disappointment please telephone 023 92465951 023 92463616 or visit Millers the Estate Agent in Mengham during office hours. You may also reply to this email to order tickets and they will be delivered locally.

http://www.hibc.org.uk/events/article12.php

Beachlands Classics Bonanza

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:45:45 +0100

Thousands of Veteran Vintage and Classic cars and bikes will take to the roads on Sunday 20th April 2008 on the National Drive it day. This day is organised by the FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs) whose purpose is to encourage owners to bring their vehicles out as an ongoing campaign to raise public awareness of the historic vehicle movement and with one eye on possible future legislation restricting historic vehicles.
Hayling Legends will be supporting this event and will be meeting at 11 am at the Hayling Billy pub for a drive/ride which will include local villages and towns. We will then meet up with other Classic Car/Bike Clubs in the Beachlands Car Park. Providing the weather is fair it is expected that there could be between 100 to 200 vehicles on display.
Next Legends meeting 11am Sunday 6th April
Other local events: Sunday 13th April Mayor of Havants run
Monday 5th May Popham Rally & Autojumble
Sunday 11th May Transport Day at Beachlands
Fri-Mon 23-26th May Overlord 2008 Horndean
Sunday 6th April Goodwood Breakfast meeting (post 1980 sports Cars).

Hayling Legends meet at the Hayling Billy Pub every Wednesday evening (commencing 21st May 2008) throughout the summer at 7.30 pm and then the first Sunday of each month at 11 am during the winter and spring.
Just turn up with your car or bike if possible have a beer and enjoy the company of people like you who love cars and bikes with character.

Contact John Bennett for further info on 92 465 870 or johnben@ntlworld.com

Fire at Rose in June

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:50:44 +0100

This afternoon the local fire brigade were called to the Rose in June public House on Selsmore Road.

A fire was reported burning inside the building and seemed to be quite severe.

The fire fighters donned breathing apparatus to enable them to enter the pub and tackle the blaze which appears to have started in an old sofa.

Two young workmen were on the premises at the time employed by a maintenance firm to erect metal shutters to the windows.

How the fire was started inside the building has not yet been discovered.

The fire fighters are still there as I write this news item.

Circus! Circus! is the theme of Carnival 2008

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:52:11 +0100

This Years Carnival Theme is

Circus - Circus

So join us on the 2nd August on the Beachlands field the procession will leave at 5pm prompt. We need you for a real Community Circus procession. Lorry floats are always popular but how about the challenge of decorating your car bike mobility scooter pushchairs wheelchair roller skates or skateboard? Come join the circus for the day as an individual family group or business group. Be clowns strong men animals jugglers ringmasters and Chinese acrobats for the day. Have your face painted on the field and join all the fun of the procession. Remember all the money collected will be spent on the Island to benefit all in the community.
For application forms and information packs contact Cherry Elliott 023 92 463491. Or email cherryandrod@hotmail.com

Submitted by Barbara Upton

Forum Volunteers Rebuild Seaside Railway�s �Hornby Halt�.

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:38:23 +0100

By Owd Rooter with photograph by Furbag.

The true community spirit of Hayling Island was shown to the best possible effect on Saturday 15 March when a team of Island residents joined the regular volunteers of the Hayling Seaside Railway to repair the recently vandal damaged Hornby Halt.

The narrow gauge railway station at the foot of Sea Grove Avenue had received an unwelcome visit from the boot fairy in early December just as the railway began its annual Santa Special Christmas trains. Wooden picket fences and a notice board were torn down while flower pots lovingly tended by a local volunteer were wantonly hurled from the platform to be smashed on the track below.

The attack provoked widespread condemnation form the railways Island neighbours outraged that anyone should wish to destroy what they have come to view as their little railway. None more so than from the contributors to the Hayling Forum to be found at the Hayling Community Website at hayling.co.uk.

Having already cut their teeth on projects such as the rebuilding of a vandalised sundial and garden bench at an Island primary school and the creation of a hanging basket floral display in Mengham shopping centre. Members of The Forum pledged that the railways regular volunteers should not be left to carry the burden of rebuilding alone!

With the cold wet stormy months of winter hardly conducive to working on the windswept Beachlands sea front it was not until mid March that a small group of willing and determined volunteers set out by special engineers train to tackle the job in ernest.

Those with the necessary skills set about reinstating the broken fences and notice board while others willing to have a go set to with paint brushes to give the station a welcome facelift. Meanwhile others turned Beachlands Station into an impromptu Railway Cafe serving bacon and egg butties and delicious home made cake to railway and Forum volunteers alike.

Despite inclement weather for much of the day the spirits of the team were not to be dampened and the fruits of their labours are now there for everyone to see and enjoy. Be they railway passengers seaside residents dog walkers local joggers or car travellers on the adjacent Sea Front Road.

ROOTER.

ACF Recruiting NOW

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:51:22 +0100

Come and enjoy a challenge and learn new skills with the ACF

If you are between 12 and 18 years of age male or female and want a new challenge
Then come along to the Army Cadet Force Building
(12 year olds must be in year 8 at school)

The Army cadet Force is sponsored by the Army but is not part of it. You dont have to join either the regular or Territorial Army but we do use some of the Armys teaching and training methods and their great resources.

You can have the opportunity to partake in a wide variety of activities.

Military Training Map Reading First Aid Adventurous Training Survival Techniques Shooting Sporting Activities

Costs. 50p for a drill night (1 per week) and one-off joining charge of 20.
The uniform is issued free of charge except for a pair of boots which you have to purchase.
All Cadets have the opportunity to earn the following
Bronze Silver & Gold Duke of Edinburghs Awards
BTEC First Diploma in Public Services
(The equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A to C level at no cost)
Phone 02392 376407 for more information
Recruiting day on Sunday 30 March at 13:00 at the old lifeboat station on shore road Hayling Island

Lottery Award Puts Hayling Island On Tourist Map

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:35:28 +0100

Tourists will soon be flocking to Hayling Island with the help of a grant from the Lotterys Awards for All programme announced today. A total of 683004 is being distributed to 102 groups across the South East in the latest round of awards.

Haylings BEST (Business Environment and Transport issues) will use 9000 to help generate interest in both Haylings historic legacy and its ecology through programmes such as Discover Hayling People Places and Events. The group which is part of the South Coast Market Towns Initiative and promotes tourism and business on the island will use the award to create information booklets and illustrated maps of the island showing historic buildings and sites suggested walks and concise background descriptions for visitors.

Anthony Higham chairman of Haylings BEST said: There are no official tourist guides here so we are trying to develop visitor interest by bringing Haylings fascinating history to peoples attention. In addition to the map and booklets which include the secret role the island played during WWII we will be recreating last years successful Manor House event with a gala fundraising show at the Station Theatre. As well as revealing some intriguing new tales about our islands past we will meet Lordship of Hayling William Padwicks great great great grandson Roger Colebrook who will introduce an expanded version of the Manor House play about Padwicks life and times.

We will then announce our plans for a secret new tourism feature a replica of the old Hayling stocks. These will be sited at Eastoke Corner on the seafront and will be opened on Saturday 21 June by David Willetts MP plus a celebrity guest.

Meanwhile Portsmouth Friendship Centre will be able to run a programme of events and festivals this year with the help of a 9842 grant. The award will help promote the many different multicultural communities within Portsmouth through staging festivals and events that reflect the citys diversity.

Den Barry spokesman for the group said: We are staging the Festivals of Friendship programme this year in order to break down barriers in the community and promote social cohesion.

The idea is to improve social networks and dispel myths surrounding certain groups by celebrating events important to their calendars. For example on 28 March we will be celebrating the Kurdish New Year with Kurdish food music and dance as well as information on Naw-Ruz. In the summer were hoping to stage a Chinese sports festival on Southsea Common in honour of the Beijing Olympics. Its a fun and informal way to educate people about what is going on in their own community.

Other groups to benefit in this round of awards include The Parade Community PreSchool which will use 3592 to provide extra equipment to support an extension to their service and Solent Peoples Theatre where 10000 will fund a tour of a multimedia comedy production At Home with the Wiltons to secondary schools and community groups.

Gatcombe Park Primary School receives 5000 to extend their existing trim trail play structure while Eastney Area Community Association gets 5950 to set up a community cafe within their recently extended community centre. Portsmouth Under 8s Forum receives 2537 to update their website and make it more accessible in order to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Awards for All is the small grants scheme administered by the Big Lottery Fund on behalf of Lottery good cause funders Arts Council England Big Lottery Fund Heritage Lottery Fund and Sport England. The scheme makes awards of between 300 and 10000 to grass roots community groups and voluntary organisations.

Alison Rowe Big Lottery Fund Head of the South East region said on behalf of the Awards for All funders: There are a huge range of community groups in the South East who are doing good for their communities and Awards for All is delighted to support over 100 of them in this month alone with almost 700000. Groups such as Haylings BEST and Portsmouth Friendship Centre are doing a great job in involving the community in projects that celebrate their heritage and diversity.

Safer neighbourhoods on Hayling

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:48:34 +0100

Safer Neighbourhoods teams work in close co-operation with the community to make their neighbourhoods safer. Safer Neighbourhoods is also aimed at ensuring that you have identifiable accessible and visible Police Officers Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Special Constables who will work in close harmony with other community agencies such as the council wardens.

It is about you the public telling us what your priorities are. We want to hear from you. There will be lots of ways you can do this - through beat surgeries which will be advertised and held in your area through residents meetings speaking to officers on the streets making use of dedicated phone lines and email addresses and using our website.

Under Safer Neighbourhoods officers have been allocated to neighbourhood teams. There are also separate targeted patrol teams who respond to emergency calls and patrol in response to certain issues.

You can be assured that if you dial 999 you will get the proper response. If you have an issue affecting your daily life which is not an emergency speak to a member of your Safer Neighbourhoods team.

Hayling Islands Safer Neighbourhoods team consists of two police officers three Police Community Support Officers and three Special Constables and the team is led by me Sergeant Steve Pratley.

You can contact us on 0845 045 45 45 and ask for Hayling Islands Safer Neighbourhoods team. If no one is available to take your call please leave a message and an officer will call you back. Alternatively you can email us on hayling.island.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Speak to your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team when you see them out and about.

Utilising 101

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:47:57 +0100

Following the recent good news that the 101 non-emergency telephone service in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will keep going until at least March 2009 I would like to urge local residents to continue to call the number to report anti-social behaviour.
The decision to continue with 101 follows negotiation between Hampshire Constabulary and local authorities about alternative ways to fund the popular service.
When people contact 101 Hampshire Constabulary will continue to pass on the information to local authorities so that community safety partnerships can take joint action to tackle hot spots and reduce anti-social behaviour in the long term.
You can phone 101 to report:
��Vandalism and graffiti
��Noisy neighbours and loud parties
��Threatening and abusive behaviour
��Abandoned vehicles
��Dumping and fly-tipping
��Broken street lighting
��Drunk and rowdy groups
��Drug related anti-social behaviour

Calls cost 10p from landlines and mobile phones and are free of charge from public phone boxes.

Witness appeal following incident at Hayling Island

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:37:28 +0100

Police are appealing for the publics help in tracing a youth they would like to speak to following an allegation of inappropriate behaviour at Beachlands Funfair Hayling Island on Sunday (Mar 9).

It is alleged that at about 4.30pm the youth touched a boys legs and back while they were both on the log flume ride. The boy removed the youths hands and asked him to stop.

The youth is described as:

* White
* About 17 18-years-old
* 5 feet 10 inches tall
* Slim / skinny build
* Short fair blond / ginger hair
* At the time he was wearing a grey jumper with white markings and blue jeans

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who may have witnessed this or recognises the youth from the description.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Havant police on 0845 045 45 45 or to contact the anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

Do you have good neighbours?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:59:37 +0100

Do you know someone who makes a difference in your community and especially to you? Would you like to nominate them for an award?

Many people across the county commit their own time to help people live comfortably and safely in their own homes. The Good Neighbour Awards introduced three years ago give you the opportunity to publicly acknowledge and reward the support of volunteers and neighbours.

Becoming less independent is a key concern especially for older people. It is often the small things such as getting to and from the shops collecting prescriptions or keeping the garden tidy that can become increasingly difficult. Maybe you know someone who helps make these tasks easier? Perhaps youre an older person who would like to nominate a neighbour whose support you find invaluable. This is your chance to say thank you to them. Nominations are welcome from everybody.

Nominations are also welcomed for people who coordinate volunteers or groups that undertake this type of voluntary work. Due to the number of nominations we have received in the past we will have to limit these to coordinators or groups who were not nominated or successful last year and to one nomination per group.

The winners will be presented with their awards at a special ceremony in the Great Hall Winchester by Councillor Ken Thornber C.B.E. (Leader of Hampshire County Council) on Monday 28th April 2008.

Tommy Walsh of TV Ground Force will be present to offer his support to this scheme.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 21st March 2008.

If you know someone who should be nominated for an award visit www.hants.gov.uk/bettertime for more information.

'Playing on the Plaza' - Music this Summer at Eastoke Corner!

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:06:58 +0100

The Haylings Best MTI group are planning a series of musical events on the Liveability Plaza at Eastoke Corner.

These events will take place on the Sunday afternoons of the three Bank Holiday weekends May 4 May 25 and August 28 and also on the last Sundays of June July and September.

The season will start with a showcase event for local Youth Bands on May 4. The Scarecrow Festival starts on the 26th July which will coincide with the Tribute Band The Mangled Wurzels who will be playing on the 27th.

Haylings BEST hope that this initiative will assist in the rejuvenation of the Eastoke Corner area of Hayling and encourage visitors to come to Hayling and enjoy all that our island has to offer.

What is best for Hayling?

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:35:52 +0100

I feel that I should respond to the recent extraordinary and irrational outburst by the Mayor of Havant Hayling Councillor Victor Pierce Jones reported in the Portsmouth News and on local radio. He said that plans for a town council on Hayling could turn the Island onto the Zimbabwe of the south coast!

I should like to remind him that it is Government Conservative Party and Hampshire County Council policy to encourage the formation of parish and town councils where they dont already exist. His hostile opposition to a local council for Hayling is therefore not only contrary to Government and County policy but also to that of his own party!

With regard to his Zimbabwe of the south coast allusions I can inform him that there are 13 parish or town councils on the Hampshire coast including New Forest Lymington Beaulieu Fawley Totton and Hamble. Hampshire has 254 town or parish councils eight having been created over the past ten years with over 80% of the county having such local representation. Further along the south coast Sussex has 21 town or parish councils on the coast including East and West Wittering Selsey Bognor Regis Littlehampton Lancing and Newhaven with a total of 240 communities having town or parish councils covering more than 85% of West and East Sussex. In the case of Dorset there are 27 town or parish councils on the coast including Swanage Isle of Portland and Bridport with 196 parish or town councils in the county with once again over 80% being parished. If Councillor Jones can come up with any evidence of pariah status tyrannical rule rampant inflation corruption and the dissolution of the rule of law in any of the communities above then I should like to see it. It is Havant Borough and consequently Hayling Island that is out of step with representation through the means of a local council in the context of the south coast.

At the most recent meeting of the Hayling Island Residents Association committee there was a unanimous vote in favour of campaigning for Town Council status for Hayling Island via a petition. In order to meet the relevant criteria set by the Secretary of State it is necessary to have the approval of 10% of the electorate which would mean about 1400 signatures. However our objective is to secure a wider mandate with a target of 2500 signatures. This will mean a lot of hard work and planning which cannot be done overnight but is certainly achievable over the next few months.

Having announced our decision we feel that it is important that the people of Hayling Island should be engaged in the debate which perhaps is best conducted through these pages. We expect vociferous opposition mainly from people with entrenched positions who have a fear of the unknown and of changes to the status quo. We would of course hope that all local Councillors both Borough and County would also want to serve on a (non party-political) Hayling Town Council. At the recent public meeting Colin Mercer Chairman of Botley Parish Council stated that it took some while before the relationship with Eastleigh Borough Council moved from hostility and distrust to an amicable and effective one. He said that the overall burden of Council Tax was lower in some of the parished areas than in unparished parts of the Borough despite the added precept to fund the administration of the local council mainly as a result of the more efficient and lower cost of services delivered by the local council rather than the Borough. The Borough charges more in unparished areas to cover its own extra costs. Generally speaking in areas that are parished higher costs where they do occur generate greater community satisfaction to a considerable extent.�

�1,000,000 RAISED BY BIKE RIDE!

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:04:57 +0100

Yes we have finally made it!

The target of 85000 in fundraising from last years ride we needed to achieve in order to go over the 1000000 raised from the Paris to Hayling Charity Cycle Ride accumulated over the years of the event was reached when Islander and Ride veteran Sally Griffiths sent in her sponsorship of 727 raised for the Maternity Unit at St Marys Hospital where she is a midwife. It seemed somehow appropriate that it should be a midwife that should take us over the line since the event was started as a result of the tragic cot death of a twin baby girl on the Island back in 1986. This is a significant achievement of which Hayling Island can feel justly proud.

Change of date for Charity Night
We have been obliged to change the date of the Charity Cheque Presentation Evening at Seacourt from March 15th to 5th April since it clashed with the weekend most convenient to the majority of those taking part in the route recce as detailed below. This should give Kerry West more time to chase up the outstanding sponsorship money from riders now down to 17000 and also more time for us to send out the invitations to the charities and deserving causes set to receive donations on the night.

Planning this years Tour de Tours
As you may imagine planning the route finding the waystops and booking the hotels for this years ride is probably the greatest challenge that the Bike Ride has had to face in its history! A great deal of work was done last year in agreeing the destinations and booking the hotels. We have a rough idea of the routes we wish to take but these have now to be plotted and any necessary waystops for lunch or refreshments arranged. The 6 days of route have been divided into three of two days with teams allocated to each. The major recce will take place over the weekend of 13th to 16th March with several committee members going out to perform their allotted tasks the route teams liaising with the hotels and waystops team at the end of each day. We have always managed to come up with the goods in the past and look forward to getting it right for this year - but the proof will be in the riding in July!

Channel to Channel Ride
The 9th Channel To Channel will take place on the week-end of the 17th and 18th May. This year we will again be starting from Weston-Super-Mare as we did in 2000 to 2005 this time with a change of rout through the Somerset Levels. As usual we will overnight in Salisbury before returning to Hayling. This event offers a great opportunity for some practice before our big event in July or can be enjoyed as an alternative ride for those unable to join us in France. Anyone interested in entering should contact Paris to Hayling President Pete McQuade on 07825 363 076 (mcquadep@aol.com)�

Details for Ride 2008
We have been overwhelmed by the level of interest in the years 23rd event Le Tours de Tours. We have had over 230 application for entry and are operating waiting lists on both the shorter 3�-Day and the longer 6-Day Ride. We had originally planned to take 180 riders but we should be able to accommodate more in the hotels we have booked should the normal anticipated level of cancellations not occur. Dates are 13th and 15th July returning on Sunday 20th July for a Welcome Back reception at Hayling College courtesy of HUFC. Riders are expected to raise at least 150 for the charity of their choice.

Phone enquiries to 023 9246 1412 or by post to Paris to Hayling PO Box 30 Hayling Island Hants PO11 9UD. Mobile 07770-888501.

Website - http://www.hayling-cycle-ride.org.uk
e-mail address paul.fisher69@ntlworld.com

�WALK ON WEDNESDAYS�

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:40:46 +0100

Its all about the children not me!

Thankfully the weather gods were kind to us and the sun shone on the first Mill Rythe Infant School WOW day. We were absolutely delighted with the take-up. Two volunteers were on hand at the north end of the cinder track and near the Manor Road/Church Road roundabout to give out stickers to some 60 children who were walking or cycling in to school.

Our Deputy Head Jen Lazell commented that the atmosphere on the playground was quite different there was a real buzz.

One mum said she was surprised to find that it really was quicker to park away from the school and walk the last bit rather than waiting in the traffic. She would definitely do this more often.

We accept that due to the location of the school and the geography of the island cars are a way of life for most children attending Mill Rythe. Over 70% live more than a mile away from the school less than 10% live within half a mile. However we want to encourage more people to find parking areas away from the school such as Tournerbury or Manor Road. Then we will have healthier kids and safer kids.

Walk on Wednesdays will continue for another 6 weeks then we will be adding another day each week leading up to the national Walk to School week starting 19 May.

HIHS Spring Show Announced

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:27:59 +0100

Hayling Island Horticultural Society founded in 1886 is to hold its 2008 Spring Show on Saturday 29th March at the Hayling Island Community Centre. Despite the early start to spring we hope that exhibitors will have plenty of beautiful daffodils and narcissi to enter. There are classes for everybody including pot plants garden flowers vegetables and rhubarb.

If you are not into growing things then you could perhaps try your hand at cookery handicrafts photography or floral arts. Mouths will be watering at the sight of one of the ten cookery classes - treacle tart a lovely retro recipe. The handicrafts section includes sugarcraft needlework and woodwork and one of the photography classes is A Feature of Hayling. Novice flower arrangers can try Spring into Life.

For the Juniors the theme is Seeds and New Life and one of the six classes involves growing two runner bean seeds in a jar. There is cookery too as the juniors can decorate purchased biscuits a popular class retained from last year.

You dont have to be a member to enter as many classes are open and you can just enjoy the show from 2.00pm as a visitor for only 50p. Disabled visitors are admitted at 1.30pm to enjoy the show in peace. The teas with home made cakes are legendary!

For full details of this show plus two more this year and a schedule with entry forms and other society details contact Jan Mitchell HIHS Publicity Officer on 023 9246 5147.