Hayling Island News

Roll up for the Christmas Window Spotting Competition!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:02:55 +0100

Following on from the resounding success of this summers Hayling Scarecrow Festival the Islands traders and retailers are now rapidly gearing up for the second year of Haylings BESTs winter follow up event - The Hayling Island Window Spotting Competition.

Throughout December from Monday 1st to Wednesday 31st including the all important Christmas shopping period business across Hayling will be displaying a single unusual item in their shop window. Something both humorous and quirky thats completely out of place from their usual activities.

As with the popular Scarecrow event shoppers will be invited to tour the Island looking for shops bearing the distinctive Window Spotting Sticker seeking out these rogue items with the aid of a widely available and inexpensive trail sheet.

Any local businesses wishing to take part in this initiative from Haylings own Market Town Initiative and be included in the well trodden trail together with opportunities for trail sheet sponsorship and advertising should contact Rosemary Satchwell proprietor of Eastoke Corners Terracotta Pot Shop on 023 9263 7590 or via their website http://www.theterracottapotshop.co.uk/ or the Haylings BEST website http://www.haylingsbest.co.uk/

Hayling Local Council Discussions Started

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:53:25 +0100

The first official meeting on this topic took place in November between members of HIRA representatives of Havant Council and Hayling Councillors. The meeting was in the Civic offices hosted by Councillor Mike Fairhurst portfolio holder for Democratic Processes and Lee Abrahams Borough officer with the same remit. Councillors Lenaghan and Collins were also present. HIRA was represented by chairman Paul Fisher Dale Norman Brenda Greenland and Tony Higham.

After introductions Paul Fisher made the point very strongly that while a Town Council did add a layer of government that layer was in fact the most important for the people that lived in an area. Indeed it is the ONLY layer over which they have any real degree of control. At present while councillors are elected to represent a ward their responsibility is primarily to the Borough and Hayling issues may not always be allowed to have any priority.

After this the list of possible roles that could be played by a Town Council was reviewed. These tasks and responsibilities are not mandatory but are ones that could be provided by a town council after discussion with the Borough. Such activities include; provision and management of Community buildings for a wide range of uses provision and management of recreational and other outdoor amenities and facilities control of parking policy and charging management of other public spaces footpaths lighting CCTV etc. and issues relating to public toilets bus shelters allotments graveyards etc. Items of possible interest to Hayling were suggested.

Next the funding of these activities was raised. This would be via Council Tax collection with an additional Hayling precept. Currently Council Tax (County and Borough) is capped; by the Government but a Hayling precept is not so capped allowing the community to raise and spend funds for projects the local people deem to be in the best interests of the community. A key part of any negotiation on the funding topic is to ensure that the Borough makes suitable allowances for those services it no longer provides. The financial success of a Town Council is very dependent on carrying out these negotiations effectively. A Town Council can also raise additional funds from the numerous sources that are potentially available.

The issue of how such a Council is brought into being was next addressed. To start the process a petition has to be raised signed by 10% of the local electorate. If this is successful the Council is obliged to carry the process forward to full consultation in conjunction with the suitable local organisations. If this process also produces a positive result then the formal process of setting up the Town Council is initiated. Elections would be held for that Council.

There is a lot of work to be done before such a Council is realised and clearly many voices will be heard in support and opposition.

New Pharmacy

We understand that the provision of this has now been approved in spite of commercial opposition and a likely site has been identified. HIRA has had many complaints about the service that has been provided locally in the past failure to open during the publicised hours and we hope that this new competition will be beneficial for all.

Rose in June site

Many complaints have been made about the state of this site and that the current owners should be made to clean it up after the fire that mysterious burnt down the barn an act for which no culprit has been found. HIRA and the Community Board have been pressing for Community use for the site. Recently the Design Consultants for the project have been in touch with HIRA on some matters but at this stage it is impossible to determine whether the current plans are likely to change.

Youth Project

Haylings BEST Market Town Group has set up a team to look seriously at the provision of a dedicated youth facility on the Island. A lot of money will be needed but a momentum has now been established and we hope to hear much more on this in the future.

Finally Christmas is coming and we (and geese) may be getting too fat. Have a good time and re-emerge in January if you feel it is financially safe to do so.

Tony Higham

Main contacts:

Chairman: Paul Fisher 9246-1412

Membership: Brenda Greenland 9246-6716

Notice Board: Lois Neale 9246-9339

Reporter: Tony Higham 9246-4723.

The carriage now departing...............

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:06:42 +0100

A passenger coach from the Hayling Seaside Railway has left its Beachlands sea front home bound for a new life on a museum railway in Surrey.

Carriage number 6 Joanna named after the eldest of railway owner Bob Haddocks two daughters was originally built in 1996 to a design based on narrow gauge light railway coaches of the late Victorian era. One of four classic four wheeled carriages built at the Mill Rythe workshops of the original East Hayling Light Railway which formerly ran on a circular route within the holiday camp grounds.

On closure of the EHLR Mill Rythe in 2001 Joanna together with sister carriages Annabel Patricia and Marilyn (later renamed Sylvia ) were the only passenger rolling stock available to the new Hayling Seaside Railway when it opened to the public in July 2003. Such was the popularity of the one mile long route linking Beachlands (Funland) and Eastoke Corner that four new high capacity vehicles on longer bogie chassis were soon designed and constructed by volunteers in the new Beachlands Depot to cope with demand.

The new larger carriages Lisa the second Marilyn Michelle and Mavis with their extra seating space and greatly improved standards of passenger comfort soon proved to be a great hit with the travelling public. So much so that despite their undoubted character and charm the older four wheelers soon found themselves relegated to secondary roles. Still serving the railway well performing less glamourous but nonetheless important static functions such as housing the original EHLR Society Souvenir Shop at Beachlands Station and as Father Christmass Grotto for the railways ever popular Santa Specials.

So it was with more than a tinge of sadness that on the morning of Thursday 13th November volunteer members of the Hayling Railway Society looked on as veteran Ruston & Hornsby diesel locomotive Edwin hauled Joanna on its final island journey to Chichester Avenue Level Crossing to be loaded onto a lorry from Howards Car Spares of Mill Rythe Lane for transport to the Old Kiln Light Railway at the The Rural Life Centre Tilford near Farnham Surrey. Where it will see regular service behind steam and internal combustion locomotives on the museums short demonstration line.

As well as ensuring the future use and conservation of a small yet significant part of Hayling Islands long and distinguished railway history the move will also free up much needed space at the increasingly crowded Beachlands Depot. An important consideration with the soon to be completed rolling chassis of the Hayling Railway Societys brand new steam locomotive due to relocate to the sea front from its present Hayling farm yard workshop in the not too distant future.

HIRA AGM and Open Meeting

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:43:55 +0100

Inspiring Talk by Alan Priddy at HIRA AGM.

Alan Priddy gave a fascinating talk on his trip around the world in Alec Roses reconditioned boat Lively Lady. This is reported later in this article.

First however the report on the AGM proper.

AGM Report.

Paul Fisher our chairman opened the evening by expressing some concern about the small number of people present.

Paul gave an overview of the work of HIRA during the last year and put it into a format with the acronym EPIC Environment Planning Issues Community pointing out there was often much overlap.

Environment

He expressed concern about the delay to the completion of the Eastoke Corner project that appears to be for a number of reasons none particularly convincing though he approved the provision of the new binoculars. Concern was also expressed about delays to the N. Hayling Circular Walk.

The topic of flooding has been covered in many fora and is of particular concern for NE Hayling. The NE Hayling Village Design Statement was praised.

The 3 Harbours Leader programme to help the rural community was noted as was the imminent completion of the implementation of the Mengham Park Village Green. Also commended were the new Hayling signs including one at the ferry and various lighting improvements. The HIRA notice board had also been refurbished.

Planning

We are still very worried about the flexibility of anything to do with the number of housing units that might be built on the island. This is due to the way in which various types of development can be passed on all sorts of grounds not mentioned in any strategic planning documents.

With many others HIRA attempted to constrain the new TESCO in Havant and are resisting all current plans for the Rose in June site.

Generally we are not happy with the visual design standards apparently found acceptable in the planning processes.

Issues

The Seafront Master Plan is of great interest to all Islanders. There is tacit approval of the overall concept by many but the real battles will occur when ant particular area becomes the subject if a genuine development attempt. This is to come!

Several organisations have pointed out that any plan must include the Crescent and the area to the West of the funfair. Similarly the omission of any mention of Eastoke is quite incredible. Both of these matters have been brought to the attention of HBC.

Other issues dealt with have included buggies in lifts in retirement homes lack of Mengham/West Town direct bus service safety on Ferry Road lack of support for the leisure bridge possible new pharmacy etc.

Community

The Community Board is looking at new roles. Apart from the items mentioned earlier the Liveability programme is more or less complete Pride of Place is developing at the Bridge Centre Haylings BEST MTI is moving forward etc.

The dirt jumps behind the Theatre have been built by and for the young people and has proved to be a good summer holiday programme and exciting activity. Ideas for similar programmes in future summers are being developed.

Financial Report.

Brenda Greenland presented the financial report. This showed and income in excess of expenditure for the year due to her efforts in increasing membership numbers. Funds are adequate for the immediate future but like all organisations we need to ensure income keeps up with costs.

Election of officers.

Tony Higham was elected vice-chairman and Zachary Allgood was elected to represent younger people. All other officers were re-elected.

This ended the formal AGM Alan Priddy now gave a wide ranging talk on his work in support of young people.

Alan Priddy

In spite of the limited numbers present Alan said it was nice to address a smaller audience and be able to interact with them as individuals as it was the individual he was trying to influence.

He was born in Bedhampton and has lived on Hayling for 20 years. Alec Rose was an early influence from whom he developed belief in himself and the development of the if you can DO philosophy that is the idea he wishes to inculcate into the people with whom he deals particularly the young.

When young he was asked to repair a Lambretta for a friend so he did. Thus do not think anything is impossible. Every day achieve something. People must know the difference between right and wrong. Be adventurous to develop.

His Day Job is being chairman of a wide range of businesses addressing engineering and nautical matters but for the purposes of the talk he addressed dealing with disadvantaged young people. He aims to turn around people whose perception of a career is to get pregnant and be allocated a house.

A report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has had some influence on his approach. He took on Alec Roses boat Lively Lady to instill his philosophy into the people with whom he was dealing.

This boat carries 4 people and has two bunks so hot-bedding was the norm on the trip. It was set up to show to his companions how to do things without all mod-cons (other than communications).

Candidates were selected and put though certain tests. They had to write a small piece as to why they wanted to go even though some were very limited in this ability. 53 took part 60% girls. Parents/guardians were interviewed and had to remain involved. All candidates had to raise iK based on their own business plan (if 2+2 only makes four you wont succeed it must make 5). You must attend all meetings if you cannot you must send a representative. Zero tolerance was the ethos in terms of behaviour and diligence. The preparation took two years.

Alan described a hair-raising episode in the Pacific when wind failed fuel was low and fishing was poor. It involved diverting to an almost unknown island and the antics needed to get fuel. It required one of the girls to be hauled off a jetty on a rope because the sea state prevented a landing.

Eventually the round the world trip was completed. All participants are now working or in continuing education.

A next venture has begun. A 40ft. yacht has been bought and similar plans are begin made. Team Hayling also is a developing concept.

Finally do not forget if you have a problem you cannot solve there is always someone who knows someone who can.

Tony Higham

Main contacts:

Chairman: Paul Fisher 92461412

Membership: Brenda Greenland 92466716

Notice Board: Lois Neale 92469339

Reporter: Tony Higham 92464723.

Your Community Your Voice

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:51:59 +0100

Hayling Island Safer Neighbourhoods Team would like to hear from you.
Have your say on what the local priorities should be for your area.
What can be done to improve your community?
How can we ensure a good quality of life for everyone?

Please let us know three priorities for your area that you would like to see addressed. These priorities will then be collated and taken to the next Safer Neighbourhood Panel where they will vote on three local priorities that everyone can work on over the next few months.

This gives the community a say in what matters to them and will involve all agencies and the community working together on resolving these issues.

You can let us know your priorities either via E-mail contacting any one from the team picking up one of the leaflets from the station or printing off the attached leaflet and sending it in to us.

Dowload the leaflet

Contacting the Team

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

We look forward to hearing from you.

Not in my Neighbourhood a success

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:48:25 +0100

The week commencing Monday 13th October 2008 was the national "NOT IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEK".
Hayling Island Safer Neighbourhood Team utilised the Mobile Police Station to patrol the Island and actively promote more Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
I am pleased to report that in total 19 roads were visited and we called on over 500 properties. The response was extremely good with the majority fully supporting the proposal of getting a scheme up and running in their area.
I would like to thank all the other parties that worked with us on this initiative in particular the Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators that gave up their time to talk with residents.
We shall now look at conducting street surgeries as part of our Mobile Police Station duties throughout the year in order to try and start even more schemes.
If your road has not got Neighbourhood Watch and you would be interested in setting one up then please let us know using any of the contact details below and we could work with you to make this happen.
Please drop in when�you see the Mobile Station in your area and liaise with us. As well as Neighbourhood Watch information we will also have a variety of other crime prevention information on board.

Provided by the Hayling Island SNT

First Responders Cheque presentation at The Maypole

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 15:46:43 +0100

Following up from the Fullers brewery(Formerly Gales)Clay pigeon shoot in September at The Maypole Pubtoday (sunday 26th October)saw a return shoot for the benefit of both North & South Hayling clay pigeon clubs who gave up the opportunity to shoot at the time & instead dedicated their time to organising and ensuring the smooth running of the annual event.

After a very wet but enjoyable shoot(in which North beat South by about 25 points) everyone met up in The Maypole for drinks and a cheque presentation to the First Respondersfor whom we raised 1150 this year inclusive of a hastily organised raffle today of a case of beers kindly donated by one of the club members.
The First responders reciprocated by presenting a plaque in gratitude of our continual support.
Big thanks as usual to all the teams from across the south who entered the competition & to Fullers brewery for asking both clubs & The Maypole to host the event once more.

Looking forward to hosting this event again next year.

HUFC Open Meeting

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:45:56 +0100

Hayling United FC (HUFC) provides football and a lot of fun to nearly 200 young boys and girls on the island. The club has its home at the Hayling College and has been there now for nearly two full seasons. Many of the youngsters on the island have great fun playing for their team and many have enjoyed the success of winning a trophy or a cup in various competitions.

The senior side play in the Wessex Premier and are only two promotions below Havant and Waterlooville a great success story for our island club.

The Football Association (FA) have set ground grading requirements depicting that the club require a further covered stand to accommodate a maximum of 100 people. It is intended that this stand will go right alongside the stand the club already has.

The future of HUFC is in the hands of the FA and we must therefore apply for planning permission so as to have the stand built in time to meet FA regulations which is by March 31st 2009.

The committee of the club would like to take the time to explain to you how the club is developing provide a wide range of skills training football for all ages and what its plans for the future are.

With this in mind we will have an open evening on Tuesday 28th October starting at 6.30 pm. Come down and find out all about the club and what we are doing grab something to eat and drink and meet some of the many people that work hard to provide the services free of charge for the youth of Hayling Island and the Borough of Havant.

Michael J Thornton
Chairman
Hayling United FC

Playing For the Community

(This is the text of a letter being delivered to residents local to Haying College)

October 29th AGM rounds off another year of success for Hayling's BEST!

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:24:54 +0100

With a highly successful summer of events now drawing to a close and two nationally recognised awards safely in the bag for the second year running you could be forgiven for thinking that that the volunteers of the Haylings BEST M.T.I. would be happy to rest on their laurels and enjoy a quiet winter. Nothing however could be further from the truth!

The hugely successful Hayling Scarecrow Festival which doubled in size in this its second year will be a tough act to follow but Team Leaders Colin & Marie Telford assure us the challenge is already well in hand. While Dale Norman and her team are already busily pencilling in dates for a new season of Eastoke Corners innovative Playing on the Plaza free live music events with an eclectic mix of musical entertainment already being lined up for 2009.

Neither is Haylings history being neglected with three more Discover Hayling local history booklets already being written by the inimitable Robin Walton and his hard working historical researchers provisionally titled Natural Hayling The Lifeboats and Langstone - Gateway to Hayling.

Ongoing research following their recent World War 2 booklet looks set to produce a number of spin-off events following hot on the heels of this summers Medieval Stocks Rededication. These include a photographic display in Hayling Library throughout October and a lighthearted Hayling at War theatrical presentation in conjunction with HIADS provisionally booked for April.

Still to come this year we have the Christmas Window Spotting Competition organised by a dedicated team ably led by Rosemary Satchwell. A sort of Christmas version of the Scarecrow Festival in which traders across the Island hide an item of incongruity amongst their Yuletide displays which you can track down with the aid of a suitably festive trail sheet.

All of these exciting events share but one thing in common - not one of them would ever happen were it not for a team of hard working local volunteers willing to give their spare time to create and promote them!

Anyone wanting to find out more about Haylings BEST M.T.I. and how they can join the team and help organise these and other forthcoming events currently in the pipeline are invited to come along to the groups Annual General Meeting. This takes place from 7.30pm on Wednesday 29 October in the main hall of the United Reform Church Hollow Lane Mengham.

Alternatively they can contact Chairman Tony Higham on 023 92 464723 email higham123@googlemail.com write to Haylings BEST PO Box 30 Hayling Island PO11 9UD visit http://www.haylingsbest.co.uk/ drop in to see Colin and Marie at the Hayling Island Bookshop in Mengham or Rosemary at the Terracotta Pot Shop at Eastoke Corner.

Olympians of the future

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:48:51 +0100

Since the ages of 8 and 9 Anthony and Conway Parke have been determined that they would sail at the Olympics.To further this aim they have worked very hard training and taking part in events round the country in their Optimists. This autumn Anthony now aged 12 has managed to gain a place in the Optimist Intermediate Squad. This was from his National ranking of 42nd. This squad is supported by the RYA with the purpose of feeding talented young sailors into the Youth and Olympic Programmes at the appropriate age and ability. Conway aged 11 has gained a place in the South zone squad run by the RYA to feed talented sailors into National junior programmes.
Taking part in the squads means committing to training throughout the winter however cold it is at various venues round the country. They will also be taking part in open meetings throughout the winter.

Chairman's Report - AGM October 16th 2008

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:54:06 +0100

CHAIRMANS REPORT

As reported by Brenda Greenland Treasurer and Membership Secretary our finances have had a satisfactory year even making a slight surplus. We plan to visit lapsed members and those due for a renewal if only to ensure that former members are still alive and living on Hayling! We could still do with quite a few more members and I am sure they are out there getting to them is the problem. It is here that all of you could be helpful by encouraging friends and neighbours to join. Members are reminded that the membership year starts on 1st September.

I am also pleased to be able to report that we now have a full committee including the vital posts of Planning Officer Minutes Secretary and Treasurer. As mentioned by Brenda she would certainly appreciate some help in the membership area.

I should like to touch briefly upon matters with which the Association has involved itself during the past year.

Once again I shall divide these up into four areas with the acronym of EPIC environment planning issues and community.

ENVIRONMENT

The development of Eastoke Corner continues to be a major concern. It now appears that Phase 2 which is the redesigned road layout and parking arrangements has been postponed indefinitely with the excuse being that it should now be part of the proposed Seafront Masterplan but we suspect that is mainly due to differences between Havant and the County on the road layout. At least the kaleidoscope has been replaced with a telescope! There is also still doubt about the North Hayling Circular Walk these being the last of the Hayling Liveability projects to be completed.

Flooding and sea defences also continue to be major concerns and were the subject of the well-attended April Open Meeting with the people of Northney being especially involved. Meanwhile the renourishment of the south easterly coastline takes place and we wonder what happened about a sandy section which we were promised as an experiment.

Amongst other environmental issues which have affected us are those of the very impressive Northney and Tye Village Design Statement; the Three Harbours Leader Programme; the welcome reduction in graffiti but an increase in litter and dog-fouling; the proposed Holiday Inn at Langstone Gate; the successful application for Village Green status for Mengham Park supported by HIRA; the new green Welcome to Hayling signs including twinning recognition at both the Bridge and the Ferry; the improvements to lighting in Hayling Park and to pavements on West Lane; the Gun Site opened by English Heritage; the Sports Centre makeover completed as part of a Business in the Community project and last but not least the refurbishment of the HIRA noticeboard in Mengham Precinct. HIRA has formally become a Friend of Chichester Harbour.

A number of other environment-related issues are referred to in the Community section to follow.

PLANNING

We have of course been vigilant in our scrutiny of planning proposals both individual projects and the bigger issues contained within the recently completed Local Plan now superseded by the Local Development Framework upon which we have made our views felt. This proposed 300 greenfield site dwellings on Hayling not counting windfall or infilling developments at least for the first five years and to which we have sent in our objections. We have been particularly insistent on the need to have mixed developments where they are approved and not the number of one-bedroom flats that are applied for. We are still looking for a satisfactory explanation of the term affordable housing as it relates to Hayling Island. The main planning items considered included the application for development of the Tesco site in Havant and the Rose in June controversy (compounded by the destruction of the barn) where both HIRA and HICB have expressed their opposition to the development wishing to retain this strategic site for the benefit of the community. Other proposed or completed developments upon which we have expressed our views were: St Marys Meadow; Selsmore Road; Selsmore Avenue; Salterns Lane; two sites on Station Road; McCarthy and Stone; the Kittiwake and Waynflete sites; improved facilities at St Marys Church and the proposed development of a plot on St Catherines Road containing a maytree. We suspect that the number of applications will now diminish with the current financial climate.

One eternal problem which vexes us is that proposed developments which are turned down by the Council almost always seem to succeed on appeal and we seem powerless to prevent this. We are also unhappy with the apparent lack of emphasis on high design standards applied to developments within the Borough. In addition HBC are unable to keep up with the work due to shortage of qualified staff coupled with the sheer number of applications. There are proposals to change the way in which planning issues are dealt with locally which all being well will alleviate some of the problems.

You may follow all these issues by reading the minutes of our meetings which are regularly posted in our noticeboard in Mengham and also published on the haylingisland.net website where we have our own pages. I should also like to thank Tony Higham for his excellent articles in the Hayling Islander which I am sure we all read with great interest.

ISSUES
Other subjects which we have discussed and expressed our views to the appropriate authorities about include:

The proposed Seafront and Beachlands Masterplan which was the subject of Julys Public Meeting and was broadly welcomed but we felt that it was vital to include Norfolk Crescent and its environs in the plan as well as Eastoke itself; the issue of a Town Council for Hayling being the subject of the January Open Meeting with the Committee are in favour of progressing the idea we are now in talks with HBC about the way forward. Other issues that we have been considering are mobility buggies in lifts; a direct bus route from Mengham to West Town; safety on Ferry Road; the Sustrans successful lottery bid for connecting communities but Hayling not being included through lack of co-operation from HCC; a proposed independent pharmacy; continued support for the idea of an ambulance station on the Island; the public drinking orders and our support for Police Community Consultation.

COMMUNITY
Now that the work of the Community Board in deciding how to spend the 3m+ Liveability Fund money has come to a close the Community Board is finding its way in a new environment and with new members. Since the MTI and HICB share many similar aims there have been suggestions of closer liaison.

HIRA is well represented on the new Community Board since both Tony Higham and I are amongst the 15 members of the Board

Other community issues that we have considered include: Haylings Best Market Town Initiative responsible for the Scarecrow Festival the Windowspotting Competition; the Postcard from Hayling DVD; Discover Hayling heritage programme; Playing on the Plaza and the Stocks at Eastoke Corner; the Pride of Place initiative at the Bridge Centre; plans for development of the Library with Haylings share of lottery money; the reduction in crime figures and anti-social behaviour; the 10th Anniversary of Haylings twinning with Gorron; the Joint Effort Caf� in Creek Road which is doing good work; the dirt jumps successfully developed by young people with public grants; Forward Together 2008 published by HBC giving 12 sustainable points to improve life in the Borough and the new Hayling Food Festival which we deemed a partial success but could have benefited from more community involvement. Young people on the Island are ably represented on the HIRA committee and we are continuing to support the Hi Y Caf� which is prospering.

Committee members represented HIRA at a number of meetings and seminars on issues vital to the future of the Island. HBC keep us pretty well informed on important matters and we have regular correspondence and meetings with other local RAs.

We have a full programme of important and relevant subjects for Open Meetings in 2009. Let us hope that they are well attended.

In conclusion I wish to thank all the members of the committee for their work during the year and the councillors for their support. I should also like to encourage new members to join the association so that we can make an increasing contribution to the Islands future.

Paul Fisher
Chairman HIRA

Havant Rotary Halloween Charity Auction 31st October

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:47:23 +0100

Havant Rotary Club are holding a charity auction on the 31st October at Hayling Community Centre. The auction is being run to raise funds for local charities and projects that are supported by the Club.
There will be approx 100 items in the auction and you can view the auction catalogue online at http://www.havantrotary.com

Items on offer include a day with Honda at one of their test days at Silverstone with the opportunity to meet the drivers and sit in the pits.

Hayling Golf Club Open Day This Saturday

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:23:30 +0100

Hayling Golf Club is opening the doors to all interested parties
Saturday - 11th October 2008

-Meet club officials
-Tour clubhouse
-9 hole putting competition to win free round of golf for 2
-For those signing up on the day 200 discount on joining fee
-full playing membership on offer immediately.

Reception (tea & biscuits)�
Meet Club officials
� Tour the clubhouse with an official �9 hole putting competition to win a Free round of golf for 2
� Meet Club Professional� Collect membership pack discounted joined fee for those who sign up on the day.
Contact: ian.walton@haylinggolf.co.uk
More info: www.haylinggolf.co.uk

HIRA wants The Crescent included in Masterplan

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:03:34 +0100

HERITAGE experts and residents representatives are calling on Havant Borough Council to rethink its seafront Masterplan because it fails to include the areas one truly historic landmark.
Members of the Hayling Island Residents Association (HIRA) are writing to council chiefs and urge them to include the area around and including The Crescent.

The famous building which was dreamed up by the Islands Victorian Lord of the Manor William Padwick has become a shadow of its former glory having become split up into multi-occupancy flats in places.

And now the notorious end property where two people died in fire four years ago because of safety issues ignored by rogue landlord Chris Mincham is up for sale.

That has sparked rumours that several property firms that specialise in transforming period properties into luxury apartments are sniffing around The Crescent which dates back to the 1820s.

HIRAs Tony Higham told the Islander: "The plans to build a boardwalk between West Beach and Eastoke with a new centrepiece at Beachlands and the proposed water sports centre to replace the Inn on the Beach have created much debate and disagreement.

"That is no bad thing but in the general approach to the problem it has become clear to a number of people and organisations that no plan can be complete without the inclusion of areas such as that to the West of the Beachlands roundabout and of course the Crescent.

"In the case of the Crescent there has been recently and will be significant changes of ownership.

"Because of this HBC is also being asked to try and put more pressure on owners to improve the area."

"Ideally this would lead to the setting up a scheme in which a total redevelopment of the Crescent would be possible - resulting in a building on Hayling seafront of which we could all be proud."

HIRA is going to be backed by Haylings Community Board made up of other community representatives.

Discover Haylings Robin Walton has been leading the group trying to stir up interest in the Islands heritage and delved into the Crescents past with his re-enactments of Padwicks Grand Plan to build a new Bognor or Brighton around the centerpiece of the Crescent and nearby Hayling Park.

He has been ultra critical of planners who have allowed many of the Islands leading landmarks to be raised to the ground and replaced by mediocre modern developments with Hayling blighted by blocks of flats along the seafront.

Robin said: "Having spent the last 18 months trying to raise awareness of Haylings heritage we focused on Padwicks dream of making the Island the playground for wealthy Victorians.

"The Crescent was the centerpiece of that vision and is the one thing that has survived largely in tact.

"I hope that any future changes to the ownership ensure it remains an historic building that connects Haylings past with its present.

"Too many wonderful properties have been lost forever - destroyed by property developers in the last 20-30 years. We must do everything to preserve this one properly."

The Islander understands that one family owns a number of the houses which the Crescent is divided up into.

Another problem property in the area HIRA would like to see revamped under the Masterplan is the disused public house The Royal Shades. HBC has forced the brewery which is trying to sell the old pub behind the Crescent to spruce up the listed building.

Source: The News.

Hayling lifeboat rescues stranded kite surfer

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:37:03 +0100

A KITE surfer was lucky to be alive today after he was found clinging to his broken gear in rough seas gale force winds and fading light.

The 48-year-old mans clothes were found on Hayling beach triggering a massive search yesterday at 7.15pm.

He had been clinging to his kite and small board for more than two hours and was exhausted and suffering from severe hypothermia by the time he was found.

RNLI senior helm Ian Fiddaman and crew Andy Ferguson and Jasper Graham-Jones found him one mile from the beach 15 minutes after launching the Atlantic 75 lifeboat.

He had gone out kite surfing at 4.30pm and at 5pm his gear had broken and he could not make it back ashore.

Solent Coastguard co-ordinated the search in Hayling Bay using three RNLI lifeboats which battled 2.5 metre waves at the entrance to Chichester Harbour.

The casualty who lives on Hayling was taken back through the rough seas to Chichester Harbour before being treated and then taken to hospital.

Mr Fiddaman said: He was very lucky to be found so quickly as he was wearing a dark wetsuit and the black and white kite he was clinging to in the water were not easy to see in the poor light and rough sea.

Mr Ferguson said that the kite surfer owed his life to Mr Fiddamans professional boat handling skills in very difficult conditions and his local knowledge of the tides and currents.

The crew were training in the boathouse at the time and able to launch very quickly which also helped save the mans life he said.

From Southern Daily Echo

Ceiling cover being parachuted in!

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:48:46 +0100

We all know that the main hall of the Community Centre is rather cavernous which makes it difficult to create an intimate or cosy atmosphere. The organisers of the Ale-ing Fest are very much aware of this and have in the past attempted to reduce the perceived height of the interior by hanging bunting above the table and entertainment area in addition to the beer tent (see photo from last year). This year it is planned to suspend three parachutes above the central area which we feel will have the desired effect and will certainly be different. We also wonder what effect it will have upon the acoustics! Best to get your tickets and come along to join the party so that you can see the transformation!

Details of the 2008 Ale-ing Festival can be seen www.hayling.co.uk/ale-ing

Paul Fisher

01/10/08

October Safer Neighbourhoods Update

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:03:24 +0100

Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
�
The week commencing Monday 13th October 2008 is the national "NOT IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEK".
Hayling Island Safer Neighbourhood Team will be utilising the Mobile Police Station to patrol the island and actively promote more Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.
Has your road or street got Neighbourhood Watch?�
If not and you would be interested in setting one up then please let us know using any of the contact details below and we could work with you to make this happen.
Please drop in when�you see the Mobile Station in your area and liaise with us. As well as Neighbourhood Watch information we will also have a variety of other crime prevention information on board.

Halloween and Bonfire Night

The above two events are rapidly approaching and I would like to ask everyone for assistance in helping us to ensure that they pass off safely and without incident.
A leaflet has been produced which has proven helpful in recent years in providing advice on matters of safety for the evening and how to enjoy it without upsetting local residents. The leaflet also doubles up as a poster advising people that the householder does not wish to participate in Halloween or receive callers.
The following advice is provided and hopefully if heeded everyone will enjoy the event.

Where possible an adult to accompany children as a matter of safety.
If young people are out in an unsupervised group that they only visit house holds that they know
Not to visit residences alone.
Not to enter houses but remain on the doorstep in a group and allow the householder to bring the treats to them.
To make sure that they do not take flour and eggs with them to use as tricks as use of these items causes a lot of mess and distress to householders which may result in the police being called to attend.
If there is no answer to the door or a No trick or Treat poster or sign displayed they must leave immediately.

Leaflets are being distributed to some local shops and are also available from the Police Station. Should anyone require any further advice or information then feel free to contact any of the team on the below details. Thank you for your support in this matter.

Hayling to Capetown

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:28:52 +0100

Two "well run in" 4x4s leaving The Ship car park this evening might not have seemed unusual but these cars were starting on a rather unusual journey indeed: From Hayling Island to Capetown.

The two Toyota cars a Hilux and a Landcruiser were bought off auction site Ebay for a grand total of 1000 for the pair specifically for this gruelling journey in aid of charity. Inside are Islander James Pine together with Debs Kelly and ex-islanders Reg Charlton-Perkins and Rachel Pike.

"The idea came up in a pub as all best ideas usually do! Reg and Jim were looking in to entering a budget car rally like the Plymouth to Dakar but it was booked up with a two year waiting list! We couldnt wait that long!

By this stage Reg and Lisa had decided to leave the UK to try out a new lifestyle in South Africa. So instead of fly there as most would do Reg and Jim decided that it was a good idea to drive it instead... They shook on it and unlike most pub promises actually followed through on the crazy idea!
"

The trip is also being used to raise money for CLIMB and the Naomi House charities donations to which can be made through the trip website at www.haylingtocapetown.com

Beachwatch survey a success

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:37:34 +0100

Forum members staff and pupils of Portsmouth Grammar School and members of the general public from as far afield as Farnham enjoyed a sunny morning on Hayling Beach as part of the annual Beachwatch survey this weekend.

The survey which took part on beaches around the UK this weekend is organised by the Marine Conservation Society and aims to build a picture of litter on the countrys beaches.

Turn out on Hayling was very encouraging with more than 30 volunteers making the most of the great weather to take part in the survey. Despite the allotted area being cleaned by a council worker just minutes before the arrivals of the volunteers significant amounts of debris were still collected and recorded as part of the survey.

In total 18 kilos of litter were collected from the 100m stretch surveyed with some volunteers continuing the collection under their own steam once everything had been bagged and weighed. The most common item found on the day by far was plastic rope that makes up commercial fishing nets accounting for around a third of the 3500 plus items collected.

�Playing on the Plaza� Reaches its Musical Finale!

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:56:30 +0100

The last in the 2008 inaugural season of Playing on the Plaza free live music events takes place on Sunday 28th September between 3pm and 5pm and features entertainment from The Victory Morris Singers sponsored by Eastoke Corners Terracotta Pot Shop and Haylings very own Island Dance Fusion.

Portsmouth based Victory Morris renown for their tricorn hats singing dancing and and ability to quaff large amounts of good ale was originally formed in 1976 and have since performed their own brand of Cotswold Morris at gigs and festivals as far afield as China Australia and Irelands County Donegal. While the highly acclaimed Island Dance Fusion who began began life as Island Tap will be performing an electric mix of dance and song fused together in their own unique style.

Playing on the Plaza is just one part of the multi-award winning Haylings BEST Market Town initiative also responsible for the Islands outstandingly successful Scarecrow Festival and the recent recreation of Haylings Medieval Stocks. Plans are already well in hand for the 2009 season as well as rounding off 2008 with a spot of Yuletide revelry in the shape of the second Hayling Island Christmas Window Spotting Competition.

More details on all of these events as they emerge will be posted on the Haylings BEST group of websites to be found at ..............

http://www.haylingsbest.co.uk/

Fullers Brewery Annual Inter pub Charity Clay shoot 2008

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:21:11 +0100

Saturday the 6th September saw this ever popular event return to The Maypole Inn Hayling Island again hosted by both the North and South Hayling clay shooting clubs.

Despite the severe weather that had been forecast it didnt dampen the enthusiasm of the 23 teams that took part and apart from the occasional heavy downpour it remained mainly dry although the wind remained rather gusty.
(Judging by some of the scores the wind obviously caught a few experienced & hardened shooters off guard with the top individual score being 42 out of a possible 50.)

As last year a thoroughly great day and a chance to catch up with old friends & rivals and with everyone digging deep into their pockets for the raffle prizes (generously donated by club members) made up for the ever increasing costs to run this event and to maximize the donation to charity which Im sure everyone will be pleased to hear goes once more to the Hayling community First Responders.

We are currently organising a re run of this unique shoot in order that the two clubs can take part as most of the members were behind the scenes with only 3 combined teams both shooting and trapping etc. and once a date is set whereby all members & representatives from the First Responders can attend there will be a cheque presentation in The Maypole afterwards.

As ever we are extremely grateful to Mr. Simon Walter and Mr. Simon Wilson for kindly allowing us to use their respective lands in order that the shoot can take place.
Not forgetting of course Fullers Brewery staff Gambit & all the crew at The Maypole for the lovely reception & the fantastic food & beers provided.

To all club members that put in so much time & effort to ensure the day was a great success Cheers and thank you so much.

Results.
Top Teams
1st prize The Barrel The Maypole C: 143

2nd prize Medals & cup The Castle (Isle of Wight) 141

3rd prize Medals Tudor Tavern (East Preston) 130

Top Gun
1st prize Medal & cup Adam Walsh (Castle IOW) 42

2nd prize Medal & wine Russ (Maypole A) 39

3rd prize Medal Kevin (Maypole C) 39

Ladies Top Gun
1st prize Cup & Champagne Christine Atkinson (Rising Sun Milland) 37

2nd prize Medal & wine Karen Sowerby (Union IOW) 28

Wooden spoon The Woodman (Hammerpot) 70

Lowest individual David Wood (Robin Hood Havant) 3

Beachwatch 2008

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:41:33 +0100

Members of Hayling.co.uk together with other local volunteers will be taking to the beach this Sunday as part of the annual Beachwatch survey.

Forum members together with pupils of Portsmouth Grammar School and other local volunteers will be braving the British Summer weather to survey a small stretch of the Islands coast line as part of the annual Beachwatch event. The survey which is being repeated around the shores of the UK over the weekend helps build a picture of how litter affects our beaches and forms the basis of much of the work done by the Marine Conservation Society.

The organisers are still looking for more volunteers able to spare 1-2 hours on Sunday 21st September for what promises to be a bracing walk! Volunteers will be asked to record any litter found in a marked out area. Once any litter had been recorded itll be bagged up and removed for safe disposal.

Volunteers are asked to assemble at the far end of the Ferry car park at 9.30am on Sunday 21st. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear and bring gloves if possible. Children are welcome too but must be accompanied by an adult. If the adult accompanying them is not the parent/guardian please contact us for a copy of the parental consent form in advance.

Pratchett brings fans to Mengham

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:02:11 +0100

Terry Pratchett the award winning author of the very successful "Disc World" series came to Mengham today for a signing session for his new book.

Fans arrived in force having secured tickets from Hayling Book Shop in advance.

The crowds seemed to be populated with Pratchett look-alikes complete with oversized hats and beards.

However they all seemed to be pleased with the end tesults a signed copy of his latest offering.

Nation a story about the largest and smallest islands which was reinforced with his selection of signing venues Waterstones in London and the smallest The Hayling Island Bookshop.

Hayling Golf Club Member Goes to Rio in Faldo series.

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:42:15 +0100

Raffi Dyer will fly to Rio de Janeiro next month to compete in the grand final of the Faldo Series.

The 17-year-old Peter Symonds College student booked her place on the plane to South America with an incredible five shot victory at Walton Heath in the regional qualifiers.

Rounds of seven-over-par and one-over saw her well clear of the rest of the field.

She will now face Faldo Series winners from around the globe at the Brazil final which takes place at the end of October.

Dyer who lives in Swanmore said she had never experienced anything like it before.

Its fantastic and it should be a really good experience she said.

Source: "Southern Daily Echo"
By Gordon Simpson

Hayling.co.uk Shortlisted for Award

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:23:19 +0100

Hayling.co.uk is proud to have again been short-listed for a prestigious Hantsweb award this year.
The awards are open to all websites in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight celebrate excellence in website design accessibility and service and have been running since 2002.

Thanks to its readership Hayling.co.uk was nominated in a number of categories this year but now been shortlisted by the judges in the Best local area website category where it is up against other online local community projects around the county.

Its always great to receive any recognition like this said Mat Bennett Co-owner and administrator for Hayling.co.uk . This is something that our readers and members should be very proud of. Most of the content for the site now comes directly from our readership with us just working to keep it all running smoothly. .

The award judges are now working on reducing the shortlists to three finalists for each category and expect to announce these in mid-October.

See all the shortlisted websites

Havant's DPPO, now official

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:06:10 +0100

"Booze Ban" now official
Havant Borough Council have extended the DPPO(designated public places order) to cover the whole of the borough.
As reported in todays News;

"Booze has been banned from the streets of an entire borough.
Police in Havant can now confiscate alcohol from anyone who they believe is out to cause trouble.

Until now the ban applied only in the key town centre areas within the borough.

But that has now been extended to take in every road and park in the area.

Havant councillor Andy Lenaghan who has responsibility for community safety said: The introduction of a borough-wide order sends out a clear message that we want to promote a sensible drinking culture.

Police say that the ban does not prohibit families enjoying a glass of wine or a beer while they picnic in a park or on the beach but that it is aimed at targeting troublemakers.

Chief Inspector Will Schofield of Havant police said: Drinking in public places is a major factor in anti-social behaviour criminal damage and nuisance and violent crime in public places.

It also increases the fear of crime and acts as a catalyst for an increase in incidents of alcohol and drug abuse and more serious crimes.

He said the new order would allow his officers to take the initiative in tackling street drinking.

We treat each case on its merits and will only exercise these powers in relation to problem drinking where it is accompanied by anti-social behaviour or disorder or there is the likelihood of it happening.

Tim Pointer the community safety team leader for Havant Borough Council said: Tackling street drinking and anti-social behaviour is a priority for us and the Safer Havant Partnership.

Introducing an order covering the whole borough gives us the best chance of tackling alcohol-related crime and disorder. It means we are being consistent across the whole borough.

He said the issue of anti-social drinking and the problems associated with it was consistently raised by residents as one of their greatest fears."

Link= http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/havant-and-w-sussex/Borough-booze-ban-launched-by.4464596.jp

TV & Radio Broadcaster and Author Edward Enfield To Visit Hayling

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:29:18 +0100

As part of the new Havant Literary Festival TV and Radio Broadcaster and Author Edward Enfield will be appearing at The Station Theatre Hayling Island on Saturday September 27th at 7pm.

Edward Enfield started a new career in radio in 1994 presenting a travel programme from Ireland and an edition of Dear Diary dealing with 19th Century travellers to Greece. He then co-presented four series of Double Vision jointly with Miles Kington. Since then he has presented Free Spirits and the last of the Down Your Way series entitled First Prize A Cabbage. His most recent radio series was Enfield Pedals After Byron in which he cycled in Greece on the track of the poet.

On television he has appeared regularly with Anne Robinson on "Watchdog" and Weekend Watchdog and co-presented two series of Oldie TV with Mavis Nicholson and Richard Ingrams. He has presented Points Of View and a large number of BBC Holiday programmes.

He has also presented for the Open University "The Heaven and Earth Show" and more recently for BBC1s 4X4 programme as well as appearing on Through The Keyhole reporting on the Cat Show and appearing in several magazine programmes such as The Vanessa Show The Club Food & Drink House Style and Richard and Judy.

Edward also writes a regular column in the Oldie magazine and he has contributed to several national publications including The Express Mail Evening Standard Telegraph Guardian Sunday Telegraph and Radio Times.

Following the success of his first book Downhill All The Way he has written three further books describing his travels in Europe Greece On My Wheels Freewheeling Through Ireland and his latest Dawdling By The Danube.

In Travels With Edward he will talk about his books take questions from the audience and then hold a book signing. Tickets are available from The Hayling Island Bookshop 02392 466620 Station Theatre Hayling 02392 466363 and Havant Arts Centre 02392 472700.

For details of all the Events in the Havant Literary Festival see www.havantlitfest.hampshire.org.uk

Mother of Baby Found

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:39:18 +0100

Police have traced a 15-year-old mother who left her baby outside an empty holiday home in Hampshire.
The teenager left the newborn boy outside the address in Hayling Island at about 6pm on Thursday. He was discovered by a member of the public.

Police launched an urgent appeal and conducted an air and land search to find the mother. After a phone call the girl came forward and said she was the mother.A Hampshire Police spokesman said the teenager received medical attention at a police station and is in good health. The baby is being cared for at St Marys Hospital in Portsmouth where his condition is described as "stable and healthy".

Beach users warned of jellyfish

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:03:07 +0100

Users of Hayling Island beaches have been warned to keep an eye out for deadly Portugese Manofwar Jellyfish this week.

The warning comes after several dead jellyfish have been washed up on the shores of Hayling and other local beaches including West Wittering and Bracklesham Bay.

The first of the jellyfish which can inflict very painful and sometimes fatal stings was discovered by a member of the public walking on the Beach. Since then Havant Borough Councils Beach Patrol have discovered at least 3 more and have erected warning signs on parts of the beach.

The timing of these unusual visitors is of particular concern as we are promised that most rare of things this weekend: A sunny bank holiday weekend.

Anyone spotting a jellyfish should not touch it and instead call (023) 9246 3297 to notify them.

Local Sailor wins gold at 2008 Olympics

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:16:15 +0100

Victory for Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson in the Star class off the coast of Qingdao.
Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson were in silver medal position at the start of their double-points medal race they needed to beat the Swedish team to secure the gold medal and they did with a very close margin.

Hayling Island salutes these magnificent sailors.