We were pleased today to attend the Healthy Living Pharmacy accreditation launch event at Rowlands Pharmacy in Middle Park Way, Leigh Park.
Andy and I were very impressed with the range of tests and services offered free to residents. The team in the pharmacy were also knowledgable and friendly.
We were joined by County Councillor Liz Fairhurst and local MP Alan Mak.
This evening we were invited to a “sneak preview” of the 2016 Emsworth Arts Trail. Held at the Brookfield Hotel, there was a wonderful variety of art on display. From jewellery to furniture, paintings to photographs and much more. There are some very talented artists in the Emsworth area.
The Arts Trail is on two weekends 23rd and 24th April and 1st and 2nd May across 64 venues in the Emsworth area.
What a pleasure it has been for Andy and I to attend and present certificates at the TS Active Presentation Evening.
The cadets both Royal Navy and Royal Marine were extremely smart in appearance, and their drills and band playing were of the the highest standard. We watched them assemble and take down a twelve man tent so quickly, I think only eight minutes to take it down and pack it away.
A group of young men and women of whom their unit should be proud.
This afternoon Andy and I were pleased to attend the 2016 AGM of the Havant Men’s Shed. They really are a successful community organisation, well run with a vibrant membership.
On behalf of Havant Borough Council, I was pleased to accept two year’s peppercorn rent. Presented in a carved wooden barrel.
This morning as Mayor and Consort we were at the “unveiling” of the Mengham Play Park Mural. In a joint project between Play Parks for Hayling, Havant Borough Council and S.E.H.C.O, the wall at the back of the Play Park was painted as a seaside mural.
The SEHCO charity supported by the Big Lottery, were able to undertake the work at no cost to the residents of our Borough.
Children from Hayling College put forward their ideas for the mural, some of which were incorporated into the finished design.
Tonight we were very pleased to be invited to the AGM of The Havant Borough Talking Newspaper. What a wonderful service they give to the blind and partially sighted among our residents. We had already been to their studio earlier in the year, so have been aware of the good work they do.
I talked to the attendees about the role of Mayor and the invitations that we receive. Also about The Community Chest that we are having for our charitable fundraising this year. I was presented with a lovely bouquet by Peter Loveridge the HBTN chairman at the end of the evening.
Today with Deputy Mayor Faith Ponsonby, I interviewed a further Cadet for the position of Mayor’s Cadet 2016-2017.
The standard of Cadets this year has been extremely high. With applicants from RAF, Army and Navy cadet units, we may have to engage an extra one so as not to leave someone of a high standard out of the choices.
We were delighted to be invited to join The Harbour Mayors and others from across Hampshire, for dinner at Gosport Civic Offices.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Gosport called the evening their “End of Term Party”, which of course for us is only five weeks away now. We are hoping that we will all keep in touch with the members of our Chain Gang, as we have enjoyed their company very much this year.
Today Andy and I joined our friends from The Lions Club of Hayling for their President’s Lunch. This was held at The Galleon Resturant on Hayling. We were so pleased to have the opportunity to thank The Lions for all that they have done for us in the years since I have been a Councillor, and particularly in our Mayoral Year.
Andy was also asked to give a view of his year as Consort, which he did in an amusing and entertaining way. We certainly felt among friends today.
It was a pleasure today for Andy and I to be involved at the unveiling of the new sign at The Depot, detailing the exciting new project with which we at HBC are involved.
In a groundbreaking new partnership, HBC and Norse have formed Norse South East. The company will not only provide services for our residents but be able to sell those services to other authorities across the south.
Today. Andy and I were pleased to open the new Debra Charity Shop in Market Parade, Havant. A very worthwhile charity helping people with and researching into a painful skin condition.
There is a good of selection of clothes and furniture, in the store, well worth a visit and browse. We bought a lovely red vase to put our artificial Poppies into.
Today along with Mayor Elect Councillor Faith Ponsonby, we interviewed prospective Mayor’s Cadets for the year 2016-2017.
We met some smart, confident young men and women and the decision will now be made at to which cadets will accompany the Mayor in the next year on Civic Occasions.
The cadets are a welcome addition to the Ceremonial Events of the year.
Today in Warren Park, the local Councillors organised the annual Eggstavaganza. With face painting, Easter Bonnet, mug and Easter Egg decorating, a good time was had by the many local children that were there.
With lots of imagination shown by the children, it looked as they were really having fun.
This afternoon Andy and I were delighted to be invited to present the prizes at The Hayling Horticultral Spring Show.
Lovely to see our friends from The Horti who do so much for the Community on Hayling. There were beautiful flowers and delicious cakes, a very enjoyable afternoon.
Today in Park Parade Shopping Centre in Leigh Park, the traders held an Easter Bonnet Parade.
The Deputy Mayor Faith Ponsonby was happy to attend this on our behalf, I do believe I also recognised a certain senior Councillor as a pretty pink bunny!
A lovely Easter tradition.
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