Hart Plain Infants School May 30th

This afternoon, Elaine & I were invited to Hart Plain Infants School to Judge their competition for the best Crown. The crowns were made at home to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Before we started to look at these we were treated to singing from the whole school, which we very much enjoyed.

We were faced with a very difficult task as there were very many excellent Crowns but, after a lot of deliberation we chose a winning girl & boy from each of the Reception, 1st and 2nd years.

After the judging, and the awarding of prizes to the winners, the whole school moved outside, where there were tables loaded with all sorts of good things, donated by parents, for the children to eat. It was wonderful to see over 200 children thoroughly enjoying themselves. The teachers and helpers did too!!

To cap off a very worthwhile afternoon, we even saw a deer on the school field!

Mayors From Cyprus May 30th

Today Havant Borough Council were hosts to a second group of Mayors from Cyprus. With them were Jennifer McNeill, the Regional Director of the host organisation South East Employers, and an interpreter, although most of the Mayors spoke very good English.

Second group of Cyprus Mayors with Jennifer McNeill and interpreter

Last Wednesday the first group of 14 Mayors were welcomed to the Plaza and were given a talk on partnership working by Tom Horwood. Then, after lunch, they were taken by coach to Eaststoke on Hayling Island where the Coastal Engineering team explained how they, and their colleagues, work to ensure that the coastline around the Solent area is properly maintained and protected from erosion. This group were then fortunate in being able to travel on the miniature railway to the Beachlands fun fair, rather than walking!

The second group, this Wednesday, were given a similar talk before lunch and then went to Hayling for another talk on the protection of the shoreline, but did not enjoy the trip on the railway.

Both groups had come over to gather information regarding partnership working as there are a large number of small municipalities in Cyprus, each doing similar things and working with neighbouring districts can be a way of saving money. Also, many of the municipalities have shoreline problems in the same way that we do.

Royal Garden Party May 29th

Waiting to go in

This year the Royal Garden party was held much earlier than usual, and there were only 2 rather than the normal 3. This was due to both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games.

The gates from inside the courtyard

Elaine & I were there today, just 2 amongst several thousand people!

We were fortunate in being able to see several members of the Royal Family, including the Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Wessex and, probably the one most people wanted to see, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire’s Reception May 28th

It is usual, soon after all of the Hampshire Mayors and Chairmen, plus the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, have been inducted, for a reception to be held to meet the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan, and this is held at Serle’s House in Winchester.

Serle’s House, which is owned by Hampshire County Council, was built about 1732 and has had several owners, including the Army and the Ecclesiastical Authority of the County Council of Southampton and the Isle of Wight. It was also the residence of the Judges to the Quarter Sessions. It became the Headquarters of the Hampshire Regiments in 1881 and was aquired by Hampshire County Council in 2001.

The ground floor of the house is home to the Museum of the Hampshire Regiment and is well worth a visit by anyone interested in Military campaigns.

Gideon’s Presentation May 28th

David Hawkins presenting the Gideon’s Bible

Joy Hawkins presenting the New Testament and Psalm Book

This morning David & Joy Hawkins visited the Mayor’s Parlour to present Elaine & myself with a Gideon’s Bible and a combined New Testament and Psalm Book.

This is a very much appreciated gesture, and each new Mayor has a special presentation copy of the Bible soon after his or her induction.

Winchester Cathedral May 27th

Having been in Gosport this morning, we then travelled to Winchester for a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth.

The Service included music played by the Band and Bugles of The Rifles. The Rifles were formed by the amalgamation of several Regiments, including the Royal Green Jackets, and the playing was to a very high standard.

Several dignitaries from around the County, including the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff, were in attendance, and one of the lessons was read by HRH the Earl of Wessex, as the representative of the Queen.

The Service concluded with a rendition of the National Anthem and there was then a reception in the Inner Close for all those who were at the service. Music at the reception was provided by the Hampshire County Youth Band Brass Ensemble.

Falklands Gardens, Gosport May 27th

This morning we were in Gosport for a Commemoration Service to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

Many Falkland veterans and their families assembled in the Falklands Gardens. The Mayoral procession was preceded by the band of the Royal Marines School of Music as they made their way from the Town Hall to the Gardens. There was a fly-past and salute by a Sea King helicopter followed by an introduction from the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Richard Dickson. The Commemorative Service then followed.

After the Service the names of all of the British servicemen, and the three Falkland Islanders, who lost their lives were read out by students from St. Vincent College.

The Mayoral party then returned along the High Street where the Mayor took the salute as the veterans marched past.

This was then followed by a reception for the veterans and their families at Walpole Park.

Maskerade May 26th

Today we went to the Station Theatre on Hayling Island to see the HIADS (Hayling Island Amateur Dramatic Society) production of Terry Pratchett’s “Maskerade”.

This play is loosely based on “Phantom of the Opera” and featured some excellent work by all of the large cast.

It seems rather unfair to pick out individual performances but Lesley Marshall and Maggie Lewis were great as the two witches and Kerry Holland, as a well built singer, Jordan Newman, as the dim-witted handyman and Daren Cooper, as the director of music all played their parts to perfection. The death scene had to be seen to be believed!!

HIADS next performances are “Wind in the Willows” in June, and an Agatha Christie thriller in August. Well worth going to.

Message for the Queen May 25th

Writing the message

This morning Elaine & I were privileged to be the first in Havant to sign a message book for the Queen.

Writing the message

The message book is the idea of Energie fitness centre in North Street, Havant. The book is available for anyone to sign in the next few days, after which it will be taken to Buckingham Palace.

The Message

Chichester Reception May 24th

In the evening we were invited to a reception given by the Chairman of Chichester District Council. Among the guests were Mayors and chairmen from various Boroughs and Districts, mainly in Sussex, and also many people from the voluntary sector.

Elaine & I were able to get around and talk to many people and, in Elaine’s case, meet someone she had not seen for about 50 years!

Out And About With Overseas Mayors May 23rd

First group of Cypriot Mayors

Today I met a group of overseas Mayors in the Public Service Plaza.

After a morning of meetings we went out into the Borough in the afternoon.

I will write full report next week after another group come to Havant.

For further information, please see the entry for May 30th.

The Rowan’s new shop in Leigh Park

Having opened the Rowan’s shop on Hayling Island in cold weather last week, today’s opening of the new Leigh Park shop took place in the warmth of a sunny afternoon.

Cutting the ribbon

Many local residents were on hand to watch the official opening, and listen while the Chief Executive and the Chairman of the Rowan’s Hospice spoke of their admiration for the staff and volunteers who ensure that the work of the hospice can continue to help local people.

After the opening there was a queue at the till as many people found bargains in the shop!

The Samaritans May 22nd

Having had a day off yesterday, today we started with a visit to The Samaritans in Portsmouth.

As The Samaritans is my main Charity for this Mayoral year, it was felt that an early visit to see how the team works would be invaluable.

Elaine & I were shown round the facility and it was explained exactly how they respond to the many calls that they receive day and night. We were also told how they recruit volunteers and how the training is conducted.

At The Samaritans in Portsmouth

We were very impressed with the dedication that is shown by all of the volunteers for what can be a very demanding vocation.

Havant’s New Minister May 20th

With Reverend Harry Lanham

A service at the United Reformed Church in Havant today saw the induction of the Reverend Harry Lanham as Minister for the Joint Pastorate of Havant, Waterside (Emsworth) and Lovedean.

A large congregation, including Ministers from other local Churches, were present to welcome the new Minister to his post, and were then treated to a wide range of refreshments following the service.

Langstone Charity Walk May 20th

Today we were up early to meet the organisers of the Langstone Harbour Charity walk.

Chains on the Hayling side

This annual walk is organised by the Lions Clubs of Hayling Island and Portsmouth and we were meeting some of them near the Hayling Ferry. As it happened, we were there before the organisers!

It was quite cold near the ferry but, unlike some years, it was dry.

Ribbons on the Portsmouth side

On the Hayling side of the ferry we were able to wear our Mayoral chains, but, as is protocol, we changed to ribbons when we crossed to the Portsmouth side. Once over the water we met up with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Frank Jonas, and spoke to a large group of walkers who were walking on behalf of a 7 year old girl who has Rett’s Syndrome.

We then returned to Hayling and walked from the ferry to the Station Theatre, stopping on the way to visit Brian Edwards who runs Oak Stump Pottery and who was taking part in the Arts Trail.

Then back home to warm up and get ready for the next engagement this afternoon.