Today we opened the wonderful Emsworth Show organised by the Horticultural Society. Although the weather was slightly better than last year, it wasn’t the sunny day everyone hoped for. The rain was light though and intermittent.
However we much enjoyed visiting all the stalls and buying raffle tickets and particularly liked the Havant Lions Bottle Stall. We had a nice lunch and met some lovely people, thank you very much for inviting us.
Honorary Alderman Ted Gale MBE, a past HBC and HCC Councillor for Hayling Island, passed away last December. Hayling residents led by Andy Wakely, raised funds for a bench,with an inscription, to be placed on The Eastoke Plaza.
Barbara Gale and Ted’s daughters were with us to unveil the bench. It was a very moving moment for all of us, friends and family.
Today Andy and I had the pleasure of opening the fourth free H4STG Concert at the Eastoke Plaza on Hayling Island. This year the Hayling Island Business Men’s Club led on the arrangements for the day as Andy and I were busy with Mayoral engagements. The H4STG team with the help of The Lions Club of Hayling Island were brilliant in making sure this now annual Community event went well. To a packed Plaza the music rang out in the sunshine.
Today along with around 150 people, we attended a Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of Ken Moss. Along with family and friends there were many ex Mayors and Aldermen.
Ken had been an HBC Councillor for over 30 years, Mayor, Mayor’s Consort and Honorary Alderman. His service to Waterlooville and the Havant Borough was exemplary. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, particularly his wife Penny and family.
Today Andy and I were pleased to entertain Lyall Cairns, the Manager of the Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership in The Parlour.
Lyall has completed 25 years service with Havant Borough Council giving us excellent service. Today was particularly enjoyable for us as Hayling residents, as Lyall and his team were instramental in protecting the Hayling Coastline during the storms of the winter of 2013/14. Their work was very much appreciated by all of us.
At our Mayoral event today we saw some familiar faces. Paul and John from Television Auction Programmes including Cash in the Attic.
We had this photo taken for the blog, and discussed the possibility of a Charity Auction in the future.
Andy and I had the honour of attending the unveiling of two plaques commemorating the life of Cdr Harold Wilkinson Goulding DSO RNR.
Although he died in 1945, his secret roles in WW2 were not known until recently. His grandaughter Jill arranged a wonderful day with many service representatives including members of the RBL Riders Branch
At Zoom Hairdressers and Barbers in Leigh Park, I presented certificates to 9 young women. They had all completed short Hairdressing/Beauty Courses organised by BWI and Zoom. They had enjoyed their time at Zoom learning new skills and engaging with customers. Well done to all of them.
In the afternoon we visited Waterlooville Fete. The large field was packed with happy residents visiting the nearly 100 stalls. Well done the Waterlooville Events Team for making this the 4th year of the Fete such a success. Andy and I judged the Best in Show of The Dog Show, some lovely dogs which Andy patted and stroked.
In conjunction with Canon Tom Kennar, we at Havant Borough Council were proud to hold a service of Commemoration of the 70 Anniversay of V.J. Day and a celebration of the end of WW2 today. We had many veterans including two liberated from imprisonment by the Japanese on VJ Day.
There were 8 Standards from the RBL and Ssrvice organisation. We also welcomed members of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery from Thorney Island.
This afternoon afternoon Andy and I watched the first performance of the first ever Havant Passion Play. A cast of 70 acted the story of the life of Jesus Christ between The Last Supper and The Resurrection. It was a very moving experience enjoyed by around 500 people in the centre of Havant Park. I do hope that they consider repeating this another year as it was so beautifully acted and compares very well with other more established plays.
Today I had the great pleasure of cutting the ribbon that signified the re-opening of Mengham Play Park. The park has had an £80,000 refurbishment due to the Play Parks for Hayling Community Group of which I am Treasurer. Along with Cllr Andy Lenaghan and PC Debbie Surridge we have received sponsorship and funding from many local businesses and residents. In brilliant sunshine we watched the children enjoy the new exciting play equipment.
We had a lovely time at the Three Churches Fete today. After the opening ceremony we visited all the stalls having a go on many of the Raffles and Tombolas. It was good to see so many people enjoying themselves whilst supporting three of the Hayling Island Churches.
What an amazing entertaining free show for the children and young at heart adults. Full of energy and enthusiasm.
Thank you The Spring for bringing the show free of charge to Hayling Island today and Leigh Park tomorrow.
What fun this production by HIADS has been tonight. Very funny with much innuendo. How the cast didn’t laugh I don’t know, the audience certainly did.
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