Emsworth Pet Show – 20th September

I lived in fear of this in case a child brought a pet spider – fortunately no!

There were dogs, cats, bunnies, hamsters, guinea pigs, a fish, a tortoise in the show.

Very difficult to choose winners in most categories. Fortunately this was not my task – I only assisted. I presented 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd awards where possible and the overall best in show was a rather elderly golden retriever. Most of the children I think were quite knowledgeable about their pets which was good to see.

Also there was a barn owl and a kestrel (not pets) on show and it was possible, for a donation, to handle the barn owl. What an experience they are so beautifully soft and utterly adorable.

 

Opening of the new Poundworld store in Havant – 18th September

The first Poundworld along the South Coast is in Havant! I arrived to find a whole crowd of waiting people; many had been trying to get in all the previous week as staff at the store were getting the shop ready to open. The Manager, Kim, along with the Area Manager and the Regional Manager of Poundworld were there to welcome everybody into the new outlet. This has brought 30 brand new jobs into the Borough of Havant almost all of whom come from within the Borough. I feel that this will truly enhance the Meridian Centre and create a lot more footfall.

The store is laid out beautifully with wide aisles making it very easy for parents with pushchairs or those in wheelchairs to manoeuvre. Good luck to the new venture and thank you for choosing Havant for your first shop along the South Coast.

 

Park Community School Launch of Synthetic Turf Pitch and Tour – 17th September

This afternoon I had the pleasure to attend the cutting of the ribbon, by the manager of Portsmouth Football Club, officially opening the new synthetic turf pitch at Park Community School.

Having taught an evening class at Park Community School many years ago, I couldn’t help wondering where on earth the classroom would have been as there have been so many changes, there was not a landmark to be seen. After the opening speeches we had a tour of the school and one of the members of staff showed me from upstairs where my classroom would have been – it doesn’t seem possible that so much could have been done over the years to change a school so much. It is now a fantastic environment for the youngsters, bright cheerful and conducive to learning. All new ergonomically designed furniture really brings the school into the 21^st Century.

 

Opening of the Community Room at Tesco, Havant – 15th September

Fourth time lucky! This morning we arrived to find that the room was truly ready and Liz and her team welcomed me and others attending the opening. I had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon and talking to members of organisations who had applied to and been awarded various sums of money from Tesco for their projects. One of these was St Thomas Mores Primary Catholic School and four pupils from there received the cheque.

 

Guide Dogs for the Blind Assembly at Bosmere Junior School – 12th September

I was invited to attend an Assembly in the afternoon where the children were told about the work that the Guide Dogs for the Blind do for their handlers/owners. We had the pleasure of sitting with and talking to a blind lady from Havant who brought her rather lovely, very large Labrador dog along. He was lovely and enjoyed, or seemed to, being petted and adored by all. Bosmere School takes part in a walk to raise funds for Guide Dogs for the Blind each year and hopefully the visit will have encouraged many to take part in the walk this year.

Bosmere Junior School’s support for this began in 1972 when a pupil who was going to do a walk asked if the school would support her with many others taking part to raise funds. They are now in their 42^nd year of this support!

 

Opening of the Resident Participation Centre at Sharps Road, West Leigh – 12th September

I went along to open this with the Deputy Lord Mayor of Portsmouth – we both cut the ribbon. The enthusiasm of those leading this enterprise is striking and if effort alone is anything to go by it will surely be a fantastic success. There is already a strong gardening group which has worked on the garden around the premises. Other groups are in the process of being established and there are plans for many activities. Hopefully the centre will encourage people who do not otherwise go out much to socialise with other residents.

We had tea, coffee and refreshments which were very nice. Good Luck!

 

Portsmouth High School Awards Evening – 11th September

This was also attended by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and some other local Mayors. I would like to congratulate all the pupils on the excellent results achieved by them across the years. It was a particular pleasure for me as one of my granddaughters, Jessica is a pupil and has just finished her GCSE’s so I was able to see her presented with her certificate as well as all the other pupils. After the presentations, we had the opportunity to mix and talk to the youngsters and staff. A very pleasant evening.

 

Visit to Emsworth Stroke Club – 11th September

We were welcomed warmly on arrival by Gillian Knight who explained what the club aims to do. There are varying abilities after stroke within this club, some like to talk while others spend their time doing creative activities. It was fascinating to go round and listen to what they wanted to say and see their artistic creations and watch them playing scrabble, dominoes and other games. Every week they have a raffle and they all go away with prizes. I went away with a bag of fruit – an excellent prize. I was also presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers by Myrtle. Thank you for a lovely afternoon.

Reception and Beating Retreat to mark the retirement of Dame Mary Fagan DCVO JP – 9th September

I was pleased to be invited to attend a prestigious ceremony honouring Dame Mary for her 20 years of service to Hampshire as the Lord Lieutenant. The ceremony was a Beating Retreat by the Band of the Scots Guard held in front of the Great Hall in Winchester.

This is a time honoured ceremony and was used to mark Dame Mary’s retreat after her 20 years of service. The Scots Guards marched and played military music and it was an incredible spectacle. Only we British can do this so well!