Mayor’s Coffee Morning during One World Week – 22nd October

Continuing the theme of One World I hosted a Coffee Morning at the Sacred Heart Church, Waterlooville. This is a very nice venue, the morning was well attended and we were all welcomed warmly by Father Kevin Bidgood and his team.

Four girls from Oaklands School gave a resume of how they promote good global citizenship within their school. In conjunction with Fair Trade we ran a Living Differently Schools competition showing how they enjoy getting involved and taking responsibility to make our world a better place for everyone.   The competition was won by Waterloo School and I presented to pupils with a trophy to commemorate their win. Sponsored by Havant Borough Council and One World.

Congratulation to The Waterloo School and I thank them very much for taking part.

Also in attendance were representatives of the “Waterlooville Rocky Rollers” a group of disabled people who do a lot of fundraising, doing scooter rides for local charities.   The Rocky Rollers provide good social opportunities for their members and they all seem to have great fun. I was delighted when one of ladies won the ‘Name a Teddy’ competition. He left taking pride of place on the front of her mobility scooter.

HIADS Production of 39 Steps – 20th October

I cannot believe that this was not a professional production! A comedy needs such perfect timing they had it in bucket loads! The laughter was so loud the cast had to stop to allow us to hear the next words. It was just incredible – shame it had such a short run. Well done to all involved. Can I say more?!!!   Thank you, Thank you for a wonderful evening.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Thanksgiving Service – 19th October

Commencing with a reception at Prior’s Hall, before going into Winchester Cathedral. The service of thanksgiving was very well attended the guest list included several Civic dignitaries, and representatives from various charitable organisations. The magnificent choir lead the singing throughout the lovely service which was conducted by the Dean of Winchester the Very Reverend James Atwell.

Thank you for a very interesting and informative evening and the opportunity to meet many of the members of the Freemasonry organisation.

Havant’s One World Week Celebration event – 19th October

I called in at the One World Week Celebrations taking place at the Meeting Place in Havant where I was welcomed by Maureen Thompson and her committee. I went around the stalls and learned about the One World concept, Living Differently, Making Changes, and promoting good global citizenship.

Annual Seafarer’s Service – 19th October

It was a pleasure to attend this annual event at the St Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Cathedral in Portsmouth which was followed by the laying of wreaths at the Nelson Statue in Grand Parade (with pride I laid Havant’s wreath) culminating with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth’s short Act of Committal where he cast a wreath into the sea in tribute to those who lost their lives at sea in conflict.

Scout Awards at the United Reformed Church, Havant – 18th October

In the afternoon I was invited to attend the Havant District Scouts, Beaver Scout Bronze Awards and Cub Scout Silver Awards being held at the United Reformed Church, Havant.

I had great pleasure in presenting certificates and awards to these enthusiastic youngsters and felt honoured to be asked to have my photograph taken with the children.

Congratulations to each of them on their achievement.

National Apple Day Market, The Square, Emsworth – 18th October

Apples, apples galore! I took along my two apples from my tree to join the thousands of others which were being chopped by a valiant band of choppers then mashed in a shredder and then put into the brand new locally made apple press. The children from St James Primary School entered a competition to design the label for the 2014 vintage of apple juice. A delightful choice – the winner’s picture was printed on the tee shirt and was used for the label.

I watched the process as the apples were pressed and the juice flowed into the receptacle under the press then insisted on a taste – fantastic, I do hope this becomes an annual event!

I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to many local traders and the organisers who all worked so hard to acquire apples, and produce the equipment for this very enjoyable occasion. I was sad that I had to move on so quickly to my next engagement.

 

Cowplain Community School Fun Run – 16th October

I arrived at the school in a miraculously dry period! All the children taking part were given a pink tee shirt which were worn proudly. The children ranged from about 5 – 16 . Two of the older youths donned the garb of the Pompey Mascots which of course fascinated the really little ones and they wanted to stroke and shake hands with them! They managed to keep these costumes on throughout the whole run as they stood at the finish line to welcome all back – although the outfits must have been very hot and were very heavy.

Portsmouth Football Club sent some representatives and some spot prizes for the event. It was a good occasion inspiring children to be more active through short distance running.

Havant Athletics Club assisted and provided all the marshals – their enthusiasm and help will hopefully inspire some of the children to join the athletic club.

 

32nd Hampshire Health, Safety and Environment Group Conference – 15th October

It is traditional for the Mayor of the Borough/District in which the conference is held to open this event; this year it was Havant’s turn. Sandy Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of Havant Borough Council was the Patron and I was delighted to open the day by welcoming all the delegates.

The group has over 40 year’s experience of keeping local employer abreast of legal changes to health and safety requirements. Effective health and safety management and a sensible approach to managing risk continues to raise issues. Although ‘elf and safety’ continues to get bad press this should not deter H & S professionals whose aim should be addressing real risks and preventing deaths injuries and illnesses from work related diseases such as asthma, dermatitis and those involving asbestos. Because of another commitment I could only stay for the morning session but I did find this very interesting and informative.

 

Virgin Kitesurfing Armada at Hayling Island – 11th and 12th October

Unfortunately Richard Branson was not able to attend although he had hoped to be there – but he was busy launching an aircraft in America. He did send a message of encouragement/congratulations to participants.

It was a nail biting but exciting wait on Saturday evening while the representative from the Guinness Book of Records recorded the number who had taken part and completed the mile to see if they had beaten their world record. Sadly this was missed by just 8 due to the almost complete lack of wind this morning and afternoon. On Sunday (unfortunately I was not able to be there) the Stand Up Paddle Boarding record was broken so this will be appearing in the Guinness Book of Records.

Well done to all who took part in both events. An excellent evening of celebration mingled with a little sadness at missing the Kitesurfing record was enjoyed by all present.

Professional Kitesurfer, Lewis Crathern was at the event a person well known to all kitesurfers, the organisers of the event are SNOW CAMP is an innovative youth charity founded by Daniel Charlish. They use a unique combination of skiing, snowboarding and life-skills programmes to support inner-city young people.

 

Public Auction to raise funds for the Parish of Warblington with Emsworth

There was viewing of the lots between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm and the Auction itself started at 2.00 pm. I ‘took the gavel’ and auctioned the first 10 items – great fun! – I raised nearly £100 on just these items. The hall was jam packed with goodies and the lots went fast and furiously once the brilliant proper auctioneer, Hilary Bolt, took over. I hope it was successful in raising lots of funds for the parish, as I could not stay due to my next official engagement.

 

Meet the Men’s Shed Leaders at The Plaza, Havant – 10th October

Although I am a woman, I was invited to meet the international leaders of the Men’s Shed movement. This organisation began in Australia way back and David Helmers the CEO of the Australian Men’s Shed was here in Havant (after attending a special meeting in Ireland) along with John Evoy of the Irish Men’s Shed and Mike Jenn, Chairman of the UK Men’s Shed.

Local men shed organisers and members met to promote and inform on the progress within the Havant Borough. We will have opened 3 new Sheds in the Borough recently.

Men’s Sheds are places offering facilities and community atmospheres; where skills and tools can be shared, projects worked on and new friends made. Mental health research shows that participation in activities, especially as we get older, will enhance health prospects and lead to a more fulfilling later time of life.

A professional film company recorded an interview in the Mayor’s Parlour with David Helmers which will promote Men’s Sheds internationally when it is aired on television.

I look forward to taking up the invitation of visiting the Waterlooville shed to see the progress with their building.

 

Meeting with Bob and Sue Lampard – Out of the Shadows – 7th October

A very successful meeting with Bob and Sue, to discuss the music for my Christmas Charity Ball being held at Mill Rythe on Saturday 20^th December. It promises to be a super special evening – all are welcome. Details as on the attached flyer or to purchase tickets please contact Anne Thurlow on 023 9244 6152.

 

Opening of the new Havant Halfords Autocentre – 6th October

On a pouring wet morning I went along to open this new business in Havant which has brought in a further 6 jobs to the Borough – all good news. I was welcomed with a warming cup of coffee and a tour around their spotlessly clean premises I asked if it was clean because it was new but was told by the Manager David, that no, ‘a clean workshop equals a good clean and safe job’. I had a brand new experience of looking underneath a car and peering under the bonnet – one of the few bits that I recognised and inspected was the dip stick – for checking your oil!

I cut the ribbon and declared the business open. I wish them all the greatest success.

 

Harvest Festival Service at Winchester Cathedral – 5th October

I attended this very special service at Winchester Cathedral lead by The Very Reverend James Atwell, Dean of Winchester. This was a lively service ending with some children offering gifts and presenting them to the Dean. These comprised, Cheese for the Dairy, Salad from the Gardens, Fruit from the Orchards, Flour from the Fields, Fudge, cakes, jams and jellies from the Kitchen.

At one stage we all sat and listened while Alastair Stewart OBE ran a ‘Question Time’. He asked questions of Angi Hill (New Forest National Farmers’ Union Branch Chair) Peter Niccolls (Hatchett Herd of Pedigree Dexters), Geoff Morgan (Board Member of the New Forest Show) and Chris D’Olley (Trustee of R.A.B.I.) [R.A.B.I. is a charity providing support for members of the farming community who
are in need, throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland] which highlighted several problems that farmers are facing.

All together a very interesting experience.