100th Birthday Celebration with Albert Marcus Stephenson – 3rd September

I was invited by Bert’s (he prefers to be known as this) family to surprise him on his 100th birthday by arriving at his house to join the family for an early celebration; the main party was to be at the weekend.

Both Bert and his wife live in their own home, Bert does most of the gardening and is an incredible example to us all. Their garden was well looked after with fruit and vegetables and flowers making it a lovely environment in which we sat, talked and shared a glass of champagne!
During the morning it became apparent Bert’s sister had been awarded Maundy money back in 1993 and this was now in his possession. I had the delight for the first time in my life of seeing Maundy money, it is tiny and silver as can be seen from the photo below.

Bert, I wish you many more happy years and thank you and your family for your hospitality.

Langstone Harbour Board – 2nd September

A very early start to the morning due to tides but what a lovely day! It started overcast and quite cool but developed into a sunny day.

We were taken all round the harbour in the boat, and shown both the commercial side and the pleasure side of the harbour. We even saw a total of 6 seals, 5 on land and one in the water.

Louise MacCallum, Environment Officer explained to us the ecology of the area and what is necessary to keep everything in as pristine a condition as possible. Her interest and knowledge gave us a fantastic insight of the harbour and the need to conserve it – we are so fortunate to have this beautiful asset within our Borough and Portsmouth.

The tour was rounded off at lunchtime at Sinah Warren on Hayling Island where we were welcomed warmly.

Southern Domestic Abuse Service Annual General Meeting – 1st September

This was my second year of attending this Annual General Meeting and this year we had the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Roy Perry speaking. Due to the services in Hampshire being recommissioned, the SDAS has a great deal of anxiety but Councillor Roy Perry stressed that he recognised the need to maintain a strong support service for victims.

It was extremely interesting talking to the volunteers and officers and even one or two of the victims plucked up courage to come along and talk to us as well.

After the business concluded we all enjoyed a buffet and the opportunity to network and understand the needs and views of all concerned.

Royal Marines Yomp from Brighton to Havant – 31st August

Following the Rowans Hospice Summer Fete we went to meet the Royal Marines undertaking a yomp from Brighton to Havant which finished at the Ship Inn, Langstone. Due to traffic we were a little late arriving and they had taken a short cut along the beach so our times did not coincide exactly!

We were greeted warmly by serving and retired Royal Marines and their families who had completed the yomp in aid of the charity for wounded Royal Marines.

This also coincided with the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines.

Rowan’s Hospice Summer Fete – 31st August

It was a pleasure to attend the Rowans Hospice Annual Summer Fete on Sunday 31st August held at Purbrook Heath.

There was such an array of attractions for everyone to visit including a most impressive dog show and the candy floss stall took me back to my childhood and candyfloss heaven!

I was pleased to draw the Summer Raffle, there were some superb prizes! The fete was well attended and received good support and hopefully raised considerable funds for the Hospice.

Visit to Crossway House Care Home – 30th August

Cross Way House is a Care Home in Havant who provide a wide range of general and specialist care needs, with a highly trained team of staff.

I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon meeting the Manager, Mandy Clarke and her friendly team of staff. I really cannot speak highly enough of the vibrant and enthusiastic manner in which the manager and her team look after the interests of the residents living at Crossway House in an environment showing respect and dignity for all. All the residents are made to feel really welcome and the stimulating activities offered enhance their quality of life.
They even have fish and a bunny for the residents and visitors to enjoy!

Family members and visitors alike are really made to feel welcome and the ambience is lovely. Thank you for inviting me.