19th May
Emsworth's
Preparations for the Platinum Jubilee are well in Hand
A tribute in the form of a knitted rabbit has appeared on a pillar box in the Square and a series of events announced.
Events will include a street part, fireworks, a
service of thanks giving and the lighting of a beacon in Westbourne.
Here is the full list with times and dates:
In Emsworth
Saturday 4th
June
COIN TRAIL from 10am - 4pm on
the Mill Pond Walk between Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club and Emsworth Sailing
Club in aid of RNLI. Bring all your spare change!
SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING - 3pm
for Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee at St. James Church, Emsworth P010
7DP. Followed by a Celebration Cream Tea in St. James Church Garden.
FIREWORK DISPLAY - 10pm
Firework Display from the Mill Pond Walk over Emsworth Harbour. Best view point
will be from the beach at Emsworth Harbour as low tide will be at 9pm. The Mill
Pond Walk will be closed from 8pm.
Sunday 5th June
EMSWORTH'S "BIG STREET PARTY"
12pm - 6pm in South Street Car Park. 6ft trestle tables with chairs to hire for
£25, funds to be donated to RNLI. Contact Lulu Bowerman to book your table
lulu.bowerman@havant.gov.uk Entertainment for all ages, live
music, face painting, best "crown" competition and Street food will be
available. The west side of the Square will be closed from 12pm — 6pm to
provide an additional seating area but this will not affect Nile Street.
And in Westbourne
Thursday 2nd June BEACON FOR THE QUEEN'S
JUBILEE at 9pm The Common, Monk's Hill, Westbourne
Sunday 5th June WESTBOURNE'S BIG JUBILEE LUNCH
STREET PARTY 12pm - 3pm. Church Road, Westbourne
1st May
Free community bus to reduce loneliness and unite residents on Thorney Island,
Chichester, Havant, Southbourne, Nutbourne, Hambrook, Westbourne and Emsworth
A community bus aimed at uniting local residents and reducing loneliness is
being launched next month.
From June 7, the Bourne Community Bus will provide much-needed free transport
for many isolated families on Thorney Island, as well as Southbourne, Nutbourne,
Hambrook, Westbourne and Emsworth.
The free 16-seater minibus will run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from Thorney
Island to places like Havant and Chichester. Its routes have been finalised
based on resident research, and will do eight circuits a day, stopping at twenty
chosen locations.
It will take its first public outing at Chichester’s Platinum Jubilee parade on
June 4. Tracie Bangert, Southbourne
Parish and District Councillor, said: “Loneliness on Thorney Island
has been an issue for years. Many
families live miles from local shops or services, and would have to travel north
up a road that’s just too far without a car if you have children.
Post COVID, we’re so glad we can now launch this desperately needed local
bus transport service to local communities.”
The project is run by the Southbourne Community Land Trust, a non-profit society
set up to bring new services and affordable housing to villages in the Bourne
area. The aim is to unite residents
with trips to local shops, social activities, medical care and after school
activities. Twelve volunteers have
been recruited to drive the bus, eight of which have already been MIDAS trained
to assist disabled passengers.
Additionally, there will be a second bus - which also has full disabled access -
running seven days a week. This
will be available for hire at a low cost for residents, as well as social and
community groups.
Project founder Andrew Kerry-Bedell said: “We’ve spent the last nine
months raising £50,000 from a combination of Parish contributions and grant
applications. This means we can
lease new minibuses with all the maintenance and insurance included, so service
reliability is a given. A second
minibus means we can bid for contracts for special school runs and provide
transport to help military veterans and local care homes, all adding extra funds
to keep the two Bourne Buses on the road.”
For more information, visit:
www.bournebus.co.uk
Sussex World 10th May 2022
22nd April
Emsworth firm raises £11,000 for Ukrainian aid
following fundraising evening
An Emsworth restaurant and bar has raised an epic £11,500 for the Ukrainian
humanitarian crisis following a charity fundraiser, raffle and auction held on
Monday. SUS-220421-164500001
The restaurant and bar venue JJs, in Emsworth, hosted a fundraiser on bank
holiday Monday and managed to raise a whopping £11,500 for Ukraine’s
Humanitarian Appeal.
The money from the evening was donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee
(DEC), Ukraine Appeal, a charity meeting the needs of refugees and displaced
people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
The evening, which began at 7pm, hosted a dinner for guests along with a
charity auction and raffle, and staff collected loose change from regulars and
attendees which brought them to their impressive total.
John Miller from Emsworth, owner of JJ’s, organised the fundraiser with the help
of his staff. He said: “We’ve still got donations coming in now, so we know the
total’s going to rise. It was a fun
night everybody enjoyed it.”
The venue, which hosts live music every Tuesday and Sunday, also saw
performances from local musicians Mama Funk and Archie who provided their
talents free of charge and who regularly perform every Sunday.
The DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal’s mission is to save, protect and rebuild
lives by bringing together leading UK aid charities, raising funds quickly and
efficiently at times of crisis overseas.
“We chose this charity because of what’s going on in the world, we felt we
wanted to help the people of Ukraine” added John.
John and his staff at JJ’s praised the level of support they received from the
local community which allowed them to present the £11,500 cheque to DEC the
following day.
“We’ve had a lot of local support, people are still bringing in donations even
now, it’s great,” he said.
Sussex World 21st April 2022
20th April
THE ‘RETURN OF THE TERN’ PROJECT TAKES FLIGHT ON
SOUTH COAST, WITH
NEW NATURE RECOVERY OFFICER APPOINTED.
Grant awarded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund to
The
Friends of Chichester Harbour for 18-month programme.
(This May’s placement
of five
new tern rafts marks the start of the
Friends of Chichester Harbour’s
‘Return of the Tern: Nature Recovery on the Southern Coastal Plain’
project. The exciting new
18-month campaign has been made possible thanks to the £182,300 grant that the
Friends received from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund
last
July.
To be undertaken in partnership with Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the ‘Return
of the Tern’ is an ambitious environmental project that
will focus on nature recovery along the south coast, stretching from Langstone
Harbour & Farlington Marshes to Pagham Harbour and taking in
Chichester Harbour, Bracklesham Bay and Medmerry too. It will also head inland
along wildlife corridors - west and east of Chichester - up to the foot of the
South Downs.
Following its successful bid for the grant, the Friends’ next step was to
appoint
Jess Vagg to the specially-created role of Nature Recovery Officer with specific
responsibility for overseeing the ‘Return of the Tern’ initiative. Having
previously worked as an Assistant Site Manager at The Woodland Trust and with an
MSc in Conservation Science and Policy from Exeter University, 28-year-old Jess
took up her position in
November 2021. She has spent the past five months familiarising herself with
Chichester Harbour, as well as its various communities and organisations
dedicated to protecting and enhancing the coastal environment. Jessica has also
been busy researching and securing the resources required for terns to return to
the harbour to nest and breed.
‘Inspired by the work that Chichester Harbour Conservancy has already undertaken
deploying tern rafts off Thorney Island, it is very exciting to be expanding on
this activity with the placement of
the
new rafts at strategic points across the harbour. They will support tern
nesting for the four-month
breeding season from May-August,’
says Jessica. The first tern chicks are expected to hatch in June
and cameras will be installed on each
raft to
chart their development.
‘Last Thursday, the Friends of Chichester Harbour collaborated with Chichester
Harbour Conservancy’s Youth Rangers who painted and printed out 3-D images to
mimic terns as a visual cue to attract real birds to nest on the rafts. We are
also currently mapping out plans for a shingle recharge at Stakes Island from
September to enhance the terns’ breeding habitat in time for next year.’
16th April
Farewell St George?
The annual St Georges Day parade had been a feature in Emsworth for many years until Covid curtailed it in 2020 and 2021.
It had been hoped that it would be revived this year but due to the situation in Ukraine and the fact that 23 April fell during the Easter holidays it was not possible for the Army to supply any troops for the event. 100 Royal Artillery soldiers from Thorney Island have now been deployed to Poland.
The EMS Spring Edition 2022
5th April
Elections are coming – 5 May 2022
Polling cards for the election in the Havant borough area are arriving on
doormats across the borough.
Residents are being advised to check their poll card to make sure that they know
which polling station they need to use at the elections on 5 May. You can also
check where your polling station is online at
wheredoivote.co.uk.
If you don’t receive a poll card, make sure you are registered to vote. This is
important if you have recently moved house. This needs to be done by Thursday 14
April to make sure that you can have your say at the ballot box.
How do you vote? You will only be able to vote if you are registered. Please be
aware that even if you pay Council Tax, it doesn’t mean you are automatically
registered to vote.
The easiest way to register is by visiting
http://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
There’s no need to re-register if you are already on the electoral roll.
It only takes five minutes online to register to vote. And don’t worry if you
aren’t able to vote in person on Thursday 5th May 2022 because of being away, at
work, or unable to get to a polling station – you can always register for a
postal vote.
Have your say – anyway: There are
several ways to have your say in the elections in May - you can vote in a
polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your
behalf, which is known as a proxy vote, and it is never too early to apply for a
postal or proxy vote.
Residents can still vote if they are away on the May 5 polling day. If you’re
thinking about voting by post, you can apply now, the deadline for postal
applications is 5pm on 19 April. The deadline for proxy votes is 5pm on 26
April.
If you want to apply for a postal or proxy vote, please contact
elections.office@havant.gov.uk or
call 023 9244 6225/6.
Eligibility to vote: You will be eligible to register and vote on 5 May 2022 if
you are:
•
a British, Irish, European Union or qualifying Commonwealth citizen,
•
resident in Havant borough, and
•
aged 18 or older on polling day.
•
EU citizens can still register and vote, even though the UK has left the
European Union
Who are you voting for? This year is a local election, therefore you will be
voting for someone to become a councillor, who will represent you in the area in
which you live.
Havant borough is split into 14 wards, each of which has three councillors,
(apart from Barncroft, Battins, Bondfields and Warren Park which have two). In
this election, voters will be electing one new councillor per ward.
Havant Bourgh Council 6th April 2022
4h April
he Emsworth Arts Trail
returns at the end of the month: April 23rd-24th & 30 May 1st
– 2nd
With 85 participants looking forward to meeting you in their own homes, studios
and community spaces the variety is extensive. Artists and makers are also
displaying taster exhibitions in Emsworth businesses bringing the excitement of
the Trail to the very heart of the town.
The majority of venues are located within a mile of the centre so why not make a
family day out by walking or cycling around this picturesque seaside town? With
such a wide variety, from painters to jewellers, photographers to ceramicists
and much, much more, there really is something to interest everyone.
It will be great to welcome back our many return visitors and of course
wonderful to meet many first time visitors to what will be a fresh and exciting
Trail for 2022.
If you are an artist interested in joining the trail next year please drop an
email to us so we can add you to the waiting list:
info@emsworthartstrail.org.uk
1st April
The
Emsworth Forum and the Residents Association – moving forward with the
Neighbourhood Plan
Following the official adoption of the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan last autumn, the Emsworth Forum (which produced the Plan) and the ERA will now work together to implement some of the projects in the Plan.
Emsworth Community Land Trust March 29th
25th March
The Emsworth Forum and
the ERA – working together
The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan was adopted last autumn by Havant Borough
Council. We now have to work towards
the implementation of the projects which are included in the Plan (set out on
pages 83-85), all of which should make Emsworth an even better place to live and
work. There has been very close collaboration between the Forum and the Emsworth
Residents Association and that’s continuing into the future, in order to make
the best possible use of people’s time and energy.
We’ll need people to come forward to help us in developing the ideas
which are in the Plan – for example, better cycling facilities, more for young
people, reducing the impact of traffic, our own local levelling-up agenda
looking at the infrastructure needs of the whole of Emsworth….and much more.
To fund or kick-start projects, we’re looking at using funding from the
Community Infrastructure Levy, which comes from developers as they build new
housing and other developments across the borough.
Some of that funding is ring-fenced for Emsworth because we have a
Neighbourhood Plan in place, but we’ll also be bidding for funding in
competition with other parts of the borough.
There will be two opportunities for you to learn about Emsworth’s
projects. Firstly at the meeting of
the ERA which is taking place on Thursday 14th April, there will be an outline
briefing on the potential projects.
Then at a meeting of the Forum on Friday 6th May we’ll be trying to get groups
of people with shared interests together to develop the projects further.
It’s really important to stress that there is still an opportunity to put
forward projects which any group in Emsworth would like to see happen.
We want to be inclusive and encourage engagement by people who aren’t
already involved in the Forum or ERA.
Just let us know your ideas.
Our
contacts are:
Mike
Bateman – Chair Emsworth Forum
Email: mikebateman20@gmail.com
Phone: 01243 374348
Theo
Schofield – Chair ERA
Email: theoschofield@icloud.com
25th March
Local initiative sets agenda for wildlife-friendly
beach cleans
A guide to making
beach litter-picks more friendly to nature has been launched in a collaboration
between local wildlife organisations and beach cleaning groups.
Litter-picking drives are becoming more popular
along the south coast with local people inspired to give up their free time to
keep their neighbourhood coastline clean and tidy. The new guidelines ensure
these community-minded projects minimise disturbance to wildlife that makes its
home on the beach A guide to making beach litter-picks more friendly to nature
has been launched in a collaboration between local wildlife organisations and
beach cleaning groups.
Litter-picking drives are becoming more popular
along the south coast with local people inspired to give up their free time to
keep their neighbourhood coastline clean and tidy. The new guidelines ensure
these community-minded projects minimise disturbance to wildlife that makes its
home on the beach.
Anna Parry, Bird
Aware Solent’s partnership manager, said: ‘We’re grateful to those who give
their time to remove litter from our coastline. These new guidelines will ensure
disturbance to our wonderful birds and other wildlife is kept to a minimum.’
Packed with tips and advice about taking part in
beach litter picking events, the guide provides insight into unexpected spots
where wildlife might be hidden such as within abandoned tyres and old pallets.
It also highlights important feeding area for birds, such as the high-water
line, to make sure disturbance is minimised. Special mention is also made about
seals which can be particularly vulnerable to human presence.
Above all, people taking part in beach cleans are
encouraged to follow the nature-friendly coastal code: look out for wildlife;
move further away if birds or other wildlife become alert to your presence; keep
dogs alongside you; and follow request on signs.
Ends
For more information contact Kate Price McCarthy
at Bird Aware Solent: kate.price.mccarthy@hants.gov.uk , 07799866944
For more information, please visit the
Bird Aware Solent website.
24th March
The Old Sorting Office renovated into Workshop and
Events space
The Old Sorting Office behind the former post office on North Street, Emsworth has had facelift through renovation and is set to become a fantastic, airy space for workshops and events.
Felix Tabitha moved into the Post Office in November 2021 and turned the old
counter and office space into a gallery and gift shop
housing an eclectic mix of local artists and handmade creatives work as well as
a handpicked selection of vintage finds.
The shop and gallery opened a few weeks before Christmas and as Kathryn
Seal, the owner says, ‘stocks products that I would want to buy myself’.
Over the Christmas holiday period work started on the Sorting Office space,
cleaning away the years of industrial dirt to reveal a beautiful room, complete
with high ceilings, skylights and even a stage.
Facilities were added and the character of the space was retained
including the sorting office entrance way with Post Office red door.
Kathryn told us, ‘the process wasn’t without its hitches.
One morning we came in to a flood from one of the pipes and it took a few
days to clear that. It took a lot
of help from family to restore the space to its former glory, but it really is
an amazing light space with fantastic acoustics now’.
The workshop programme of art and crafts is growing all the time.
Visitors can book to do taster or courses in fused glass, felting,
pottery, printing, watercolours, life drawing, papercraft, photography, sewing
and candle making to name a few.
The ‘Pottery Throw Down’ workshops are very popular as Di and Rosie from Biscuit
Pottery bring wheels and teach bowl, vase and mug making.
Regular
weekly events also take place with life drawing and yoga twice weekly.
The space is also hosting 9 local artists for the Emsworth Art Trail this
year, taking advantage of the gallery hanging space and plenty of room for
visitors. Wemsfest is hosting one
of its events in May at the venue with Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern, acoustic
guitarists, performing on Sunday 15th May.
The Sorting Office is looking for other hirers for weekly meets or one off
events/concerts. Please contact
Felix Tabitha on
hello@felixtabitha.co.uk for more information.
22nd March
Local GP Dr Hannah Morgan to Run Southampton Marathon in aid of Emsworth Food Bank (Love Your Neighbour campaign)
I'm running Southampton Marathon on 24th April 2022,
raising money for a food bank which was setup in Emsworth, during the COVID
pandemic, as a response to help families and individuals in need. Love Your
Neighbour Campaign gives local people food parcels and care packages. They
receive referrals from local community organisations, our schools, councils,
churches and individuals can get in touch themselves. They work in partnership
with other local food banks.
We know that times are going to be really tough for
people over the coming months, with the cost of living rising. Which is why it
is so important that we support each other locally. It has been heart-warming to
see the community spirit during COVID. I am keen to make sure our foodbanks are
well stocked as people's living conditions get harder over the coming summer
months.
I have never run a marathon before. As a mum of 3, a
military wife, working as a GP, being Clinical Director of our Hayling Island
and Emsworth Primary Care Network and last summer becoming Clinical Lead for
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation for South East
England, I like life to be busy! Juggling roles, with leading the vaccination
programme and helping build our teams to maintain and improve care, has been an
incredible privilege but at times exhausting. One of the highlights of the
pandemic has been our volunteers - who gave so much in our vaccination centres.
Working lots of hours meant that for a few months, while getting the
vaccinations off the ground across Havant, my own wellbeing took a back seat.
That was ok for the short-term but not for the long-term. In September 2021 I
decided enough was enough and joined Leeanne Barber's Improvers Running Group.
It felt great to dedicate an hours training on a Tuesday evening to my own
health again. At that point I could jog 5k without stopping! Over the Autumn I
did the Great South Run and QE Park Half Marathon. As we welcomed 2022 in, I had
just had COVID and decided to sign up for a marathon - to keep me plodding and
dedicating time to myself and my health. I hope to get round as close to 5 hours
if I can.
We all know how good exercise is for our mental and
physical health but it's not always easy to prioritise. We also know how good
giving to others is for our own wellbeing. Certainly supporting local people and
communities is a huge motivator and driver for me. It is so wonderful to know
others will benefit from my marathon training too!
Please do support me by sponsoring me, if you'd like
to and are able to. No pressure though! Every penny and ounce of moral support
is very welcome and valued.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/drhannahmorgan
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Dr Hannah Morgan
Hayling Island and Emsworth Primary Care
Network
20th March
KEEP CALM AND SING! - Well join Havant
Light Opera
Do you fancy yourself as a rollicking pirate or a bumbling policeman? A
flirtatious maiden or a pirate’s moll? Do you enjoy singing and performing? Well
come along and join Havant Light Opera’s production of The Pirates of Penzance!
Rehearsals have just started for our summer show and we would welcome new
members to swell our chorus in this colourful, vibrant, and fun production.
HLO has been performing in the Havant area for over 40 years, annually producing
a light-hearted summer show (usually a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta) and a
festive Christmas event. It also puts on concerts in the local area, with music
ranging from sacred to secular, from comical to classical. It is based at The
Spring Arts & Heritage Centre in Havant, where it both rehearses and performs.
Despite the restrictions of Covid over the last two years, which resulted in the
disbanding of many choirs and singing groups, HLO has stayed together and
thrived. We are “friends who sing together” and through our supportive and
adaptable approach we were able to stage two concerts last year.
We are now fully up and running, with members excitedly looking forward to a
return to a full stage show. The Pirates of Penzance is one of Gilbert &
Sullivan’s best-loved and possibly most well-known works. It is proving
remarkably up to date, despite being written in 1879. After all, the authority
figure saves his skin by telling a whopping lie. The text is easily modernized
without losing the plot so listen out for the political spin we put on it!
HLO looks forward to welcoming any new members, regardless of age or experience.
You do not have to be able to sightread but a sense of fun and camaraderie would
be useful!! Our brilliant young Musical Director accompanies us at rehearsals
and performances and we have a wealth of experience in producing musical
theatre.
We rehearse on Monday evenings, from 7.30 to 9.30, at The Spring. You are
welcome to turn up on at a rehearsal for a free taster session to see what we
are all about or if you would like any more information, please get in touch
with us via the contact page on our website –
www.havantlightopera.co.uk .
Our show will be performed at The Spring from Tuesday 28 June to 2 July – if you
cannot join us on stage then please do come along for an entertaining night out
(www.thespring.co.uk
).
8th March
Ukraine war: Emsworth group Bridge to Unity reaches Ukraine-Poland border to
give £25,000 of supplies to refugees
A selfless group from Emsworth journeyed to the border between Poland and
Ukraine this weekend to deliver £25,000-worth of essential supplies to refugees
fleeing war.
Members of Bridge to Unity, from Emsworth, delivering supplies to the border
between Poland and Ukraine to help Ukrainian refugees. Pictured with aid workers
in Poland after dropping off supplies
Members of Bridge for Unity have been keeping people updated on their venture as
they set off from the UK in the early hours of Saturday (March 5) morning and
reaching their destination on Sunday.
The team of five were able to unload goods including bandages, first aid kits,
sleeping bags, torches, batteries, power banks, phones and chargers to the
Zintegrowana Służba Ratownicza (ZSR) – a Polish group which provides emergency
medical care in crisis situations.
Today the team, made up of founder Matt Simmons, Libby Rose, Hannah Jarvis, Don
O’Leary and Mike Petty, thanked all their supporters who donated crowdfunded
more than £24,400.
They said: “It is fair to say we’ve all cried a lot of tears this morning. Tears
of relief, joy and thanks to every single person who has donated to our Just
Giving page over the last week.
“The four of us have been working 20 hour days on this for the majority of the
week and to see it all come together has been overwhelming to say the least.
“Zintegrowana Służba Ratownicza you are the most incredible group of people
we’ve ever had the joy of working with. You’re selfless, heroic and everything
in between.
“We are going to do everything we can to support the wonderful work that you
you’re doing to help the people of Ukraine and
this is just the beginning.
“We have some important meetings next week to discuss our next aid mission to
Ukraine which again will involve the wonderful ZSR and we are going to keep you
all informed.
“We are nothing without your support.”
Bridge to Unity was originally established by veteran Matt Simmonds last year as
Ems4Afghans to support Afghan refugees, but was rebranded this year to help
during the Ukraine war.
While at the Ukraine border, member Libby Rose reported seeing 2,500 refugees
She said: “From the moment you arrive there’s no mistaking what these people
have gone through and are currently going through.”
It is planned the convoy will reach the UK by Sunday night.
Bridge to Unity is planning to keep getting supplies to Ukrainian refugees.
To help them do so visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matt-simmons-1.
Sussex World
Monday, 7th March
3rd March
Councillor Kennett calls out developers
At Havant’s Planning Policy Committee on February 22nd, Emsworth
Councillor Richard Kennett blew a couple of holes in an opportunistic manoeuvre
by Land and Partners, the company that has submitted a planning
application for 210 homes off Long Copse Lane. The Committee were
discussing a Housing Delivery Position Statement, which explains how the Borough
Council will respond to planning applications for new housing, following the
withdrawal of the ‘emerging’ Local Plan. Land and Partners saw an
opportunity to promote their application with a written deputation and three
minutes to address the meeting. Fortunately Cllr Kennett, although not a
member of the committee, had spotted two inaccurate statements by Land and
Partners and he was able to address the meeting and point these out.
The first faulty claim was that because the Inspectors’ Interim Report makes no
specific reference to Long Copse Lane, they have no soundness or other concerns
about the site (in contrast to other sites where problems with deliverability
were identified). In fact the Inspectors say explicitly (para. 55) that
they have not examined “a significant number of site allocations, which might
lead to further concerns”.
Land and Partners’
second claim occurred in the sentence “sites that are underused and wholly or
partly brownfield such as ours will have a vital role to play in securing
sustainable development”. Cllr Kennett observed that it is “stretching credulity
to breaking point” to describe the fields off Long Copse Lane as a brownfield
site.
Emsworth Community Land
Trust 2nd March 3022
1st March
Donations needed to help Ukraine as Emsworth-based community organisation set to
take supplies to those in need
‘We
are reaching our arms out to the Ukraine from the UK’, says an Emsworth-based
community organisation as it urges people to give what they can to a fundraising
drive helping those affected by the conflict.
Emsworth veteran
Matt Simmons founded the Ems4Afghans organisation last year as a way to help the
people he worked alongside as an RAF technician
in Afghanistan.
Now relaunching as the community interest company Bridge to Unity, the
organisation is gathering crucial donations to help those in Ukraine.
Matt said: “From what we’re hearing is that the borders are being flooded with
people.
RAF veteran Matt Simmons founded Ems4Afghans having witnessed the plight of the
Afghan people during his posting to Kabul. Picture: Mike Cooter
“Kyiv is such a beautiful city and it’s devastating what’s happening. It’s
really scary.”
Ems4Afghas/Bridge to Unity is hoping to collect donations of medical supplies
including bandages and first aid kits, as well as sleeping bags, torches,
batteries, power banks, and phones/chargers.
Matt said: “I’m going up to Poland next week, by next Sunday, with a load of
items.
Three full carloads of donations for Afghan refugees collected last year in
Emsworth. Picture: Mike Cooter
“We’ve linked in with people in Poland and Ukraine - we’re going to try and take
as much as we can.’
The group is also launching a fundraising campaign to collect money that will be
given to organisations helping at the grassroots level in Ukraine.
Matt added: “We are negotiating with companies to help with medical supplies and
also funds will be directed to an organisation working on the ground in Ukraine,
I’ve listed some other items that have been asked for.”
To make a donation, contact Ems4Afghans/Bridge to Unity by visiting the Facebook
page at
facebook.com/Ems4Afghans, or on Twitter at @Ems4Afghans.
Find out more about the crowdfunding campaign at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matt-simmons-1.
He said: “In a crisis, it’s nice to see the community come together, but people
don’t always know how to help.
“People don’t know who to go to so I’ve always been really transparent about
where items are going to and how money is being spent.
“I really think with our proactive nature and with people behind us, we can make
a difference.”
Sussex World Monday, 28th February
26th February
Residents' anger as Havant council approves new mini-estate because it needs to
build homes
A COUNCIL has approved a greenfield housing development, despite being a site of
importance for nature conservation (SINC).
The proposal for nine homes on land off Long Copse Lane, Emsworth, was approved
by Havant Borough Council (HBC) because it needs to build new homes. The
site will provide a mixture of semi and detached homes with associated works -
ecological mitigation is required due to the land being Building on a SINC
conflicts with the council's planning policies however, due to the council being
behind on its housing targets those policies are out of date.
Resident David Mason, who lives adjacent to the site said: ‘At the Tory party
conference last September, the prime minister said that no more homes would be
built on greenfield sites and that brownfield sites will be developed instead.
‘Under the applicant's plan the SINC grasses would be moved to the fields to the
east by HBC however the applicants admit that the experience of translocating
grasses is varied - therefore HBC cannot be certain that the SINC site will not
be ruined.
Neighbouring resident Chris Poirrier added: ‘Mr Nick Knight, Hampshire county
bat recorder, completed a survey of the area using a nocturnal monitor.
The monitor made over 11,000 recordings over a one month period in June 2021.
At least nine species of bat were identified including several types of
Barbastelle bat which share the same near threatened status as the Bechstein.
The government and our local MP are pushing for the development of brownfield
sites, urban regeneration and no greenfield development, I therefore ask that
councillors maintain the conservative party line.’
Councillor Jackie Branson agreed that the site is ‘constrained’ and ‘not ideal’
but could see no reason to refuse permission.
‘Unfortunately, Havant doesn't have any ideal sites left, if only we did have we
wouldn't be building on sites such as this.
We would like to have more brownfield sites, obviously, it was the
brownfield sites that caused the local plan to be sent back.
We have the tilted balance and we have to look at whether the harm
outweighs the need for housing in the borough and sadly we only have 3.9 years
supply.’
The News Saturday, 26th February 2022
25th February
A new look to the “Town Brewery”
The new frontage of the Town Brewery, closed
in2013, has been revealed. The
former pub is undergoing renovation into a ground floor with flexible use as
Retail, Financial and Professional Services, Food and Drink, Drinking
Establishments, Hot Food or Takeaway premises while the upper floor has been
converted into three apartments.
22nd February
Chef James arrives at historic Emsworth pub with new burger fit for a Lord!
Highly-rated chef James Tuckey has marked his arrival at historic hostelry by
creating a home-made burger to honour a war hero who served under the Duke of
Wellington.
James took up his new role at The Lord Raglan and his culinary creations have
delighted regulars at the quaint Queen Street pub in Emsworth. And one of the
first things he did was to conjure up a tasty, garlic and thyme infused burger
named after the colourful peer who gives his name to the 18th-century inn.
The eponymous hero of the pub, Lord Raglan, was a trusted member of the Duke of
Wellington’s staff. He was injured at the Battle of Waterloo, and later became
Commander in Chief at the Crimean War before succumbing to illness in Russia in
1855.
James says he wanted to mark his tenure at the historic pub – set on the water’s
edge – with a signature dish and came up with the recipe after researching the
life of the brave Field Marshall.
“He was a real character and I like to think that the burger has plenty of that
kind of chutzpah,” he said. “The Lord Raglan is a pub I have admired for some
time and when I was offered the chance to work here it was a very easy decision
to make. It helps that when I do get a quiet moment I can go into our beer
garden and contemplate by gazing out on to the water because it affords us such
wonderful views here in what is a very pretty coastal town. It’s so picturesque.
The regulars are very friendly and it’s real pleasure cooking for them.
Their appreciation goes a long way to providing more inspiration for new dishes
and with spring and summer on the way we have more plans afoot to unveil more
dishes on the menu, that will hopefully appeal. And if you are an ale enthusiast
then you can enjoy your Fuller’s favourites on tap. If you prefer grape to
grain, we’ve a great collection of wines too.”
Sussex World 21st February 2022
21st February
Heartbreak
for Emsworth family fishing business as livelihood jeopardised when ‘pride and
joy’ boat smashed by Storm Eunice
A FISHERMAN has told of the heartbreak he felt at seeing
his ‘pride and joy washed up on the shoreline’ after Storm Eunice smashed his
family business’s fishing boat. Havant couple Chantelle and Peter Williams
were devastated as they helplessly watched their boat Tia Maria get battered and
destroyed by Storm Eunice.
Now, the future of their award-winning, Emsworth-based
seafood business 'Fresh From the Boat' hangs in the balance.
Peter said: ‘It’s been tough enough with Covid without
having this on top Boats can be insured, but when it’s your
business, that’s it until it can be fixed. It’s worrying times when it’s your
entire livelihood.’
Chantelle and Peter have run Fresh From The Boat as
joint owners for around 15 years, and Peter does the fishing in Emsworth
Harbour.
The couple were onsite from the early hours on February
19, keeping an eye on the Tia Maria as the wind hit force 11-12.
.
While at the shop serving a customer, they were notified
that a fishing vessel had washed aground at about 11am – and had been smashed
against the sea wall and rocks.
Peter said: ‘We had kept a close eye on the boat but we
couldn’t get near it. It’s had a real beating. That was a serious bit of
wind, I’ve never seen anything like it. The Tia
Maria is the boat that Peter uses to fish. It was worse than any
other storm we had. The couple set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds
to repair or replace the boat, which could run into the tens of thousands.
I'm extremely worried about how long it’s going to take to get back up and
running - it's a heck of a mess.’
Generous donors have already smashed the original
fundraising target of £4,000 – but grateful Peter says the couple appreciate any
help they can get.
He added: ‘I was quite shocked at how quickly the money
was raised. There is insurance but insurance doesn't cover not being able
to work.
‘The support is quite amazing - I'm still trying to come to terms with it.’ Visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/storm-eunice-takes-fresh-from-the-boat-boat?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR3bS7choPUtlqWXXCzUljEIC5jK-z5o-HWkROaF9-n2Bqm_1HMjIYTLa5g
The News 21st February 2022
9th February
Falklands Exhibition: The Story of a Ship an Emsworth Museum Exhibition 7th
– 28th May
2022 is the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War and this exhibition is based
mainly on HMS Antrim, a Portsmouth manned guided missile destroyer, which
re-took South Georgia and then spearheaded the landings in San Carlos Water.
Here she 'collected' an unexploded 1000 lb bomb which passed through her main
missile magazine.
If you have any photographs or other memorabilia related to Emsworth men who
took part in the Falklands conflict then please contact Dorothy Bone,
dorothybone@btinternet.com in the first instance. We would love to hear from
you.
3rd February
Food
is our passion at Cross Kitchen
Steve and Gemma Cross have amassed impressive credentials in the fine dining
restaurant business and in developing nutritious meals in Hampshire schools.
Steve winning a national award as School Chef of the Year 2019 and Gemma as a
master baker of delicious celebration
and novelty cakes.
They have combined their expertise to open Cross Kitchen, a bistro-style family
enterprise enjoying a commanding location on the edge of St Peter’s Square. (The
site was previously occupied by Greenhouse Café) On offer is a great selection
of breakfasts, lunches, and light snacks. Focusing on seasonal and quality
ingredients, everything is made to order for customers to enjoy. Attractively
renovated to a very high standard and with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Cross
Kitchen has been well-supported since opening last November, both by local
people and Emsworth’s many visitors.
Steve places considerable emphasis on sourcing produce from local suppliers –
Treagust Butchers, ‘Fresh from the Boat’, Hermitage Wines, Bellord and Brown
vegetables, and Citrus Flowers, to name but a few. Gemma’s cakes are visionary
masterpieces and taste wonderful too, with a selection of goodies for those who
are gluten intolerant. It’s still early days but there are plans to develop the
courtyard area with attractive planting and awnings to shelter customers sitting
outside.
Already warmly welcomed into the business community, Steve and Gemma also hope
to host some select events to promote and showcase local initiatives in line
with Cross Kitchen’s ethos.
Report and picture by Shirley Farmer
The EMS January 2022
28th January
Chichester harbour water 'would fail EU bathing water standards'
Water in Chichester Harbour would fail ‘EU bathing water standards’,
While Chichester
Harbour is not a designated bathing water, Chichester Harbour
Conservancy Trust compares results with the standards set out in the EU Bathing
Water Directive.
A recent sample of water by the Chichester Yacht Club slipway shows that levels
of Enterococci, a bacteria found in the faeces of most humans, were against the
compliance standards of the European Bathing Water Directive. In an email seen
by this newspaper, it is said that the impact on harbour users ‘in this instance
would be extremely low’.
The news comes just a week after Southern Water showed figures stating that
bathing water standards at nearby West Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey
were ‘excellent’.
A spokesman for Southern Water said: “Southern Water is leading a multi-agency
partnership dedicated to improving the ecological health of Chichester and
Langstone Harbours and the Harbour Conservancy is a key partner in this effort.
"We are currently conducting base line monitoring of water quality and analysing
the sources of nutrients and pollution. Shortly we will be trialling a real time
water quality monitoring buoy.
"We are currently launching pathfinder projects with the aim of releasing storm
water releases by 80 per cent by the year 2030 and have pledged to cut pollution
incidents by 80 per cent by 2025 as a result of the £2 billion we are investing
on wastewater equipment and network and environmental protection between 2020
and 2025.
"Chichester Harbour is working harbour and not a designated bathing water. The
thousands of boats which use the waters along with agriculture and industry all
contribute to water quality so while we are a key custodian of our precious
water habitats, we are not the only one. Only by working together will the
future of the harbour be protected and enhanced.”
Chichester Observer 27th January 2022
14th January 2021
Chichester District Council supports walking and cycle route proposals
on A259
PROPOSALS for a six-mile walking and cycling route between Emsworth and
Chichester have won the support of Chichester District Council.
The £5m project was backed by members of the cabinet during a meeting on
Tuesday. Members agreed with recommendations from the council’s environment
panel that the installation of shared-use paths – for pedestrians and cyclists –
through several villages along the route needed ‘further consideration’.
Plans for the Chichester to
Emsworth route were put forward by National Highways – formerly Highways England
– and recently underwent an eight-week public consultation.
The meeting was told that, of the 436 people who took part, 257 (59 per cent)
supported the scheme and 148 (34 per cent) did not.
During the meeting, concerns were raised by groups such as ChiCycle and the West
Sussex Cycle Forum about safety, whether the scheme would reduce speeds along
the A259 and whether cyclists would even use the new facilities. Liberal
Democrat group leader Adrian Moss described it as ‘flawed’, saying it needed to
be changed.
A report to the meeting said that alternative ideas for the route put forward by
the Chichester & District Cycle Forum and a number of parish councils had been
deemed ‘not technically feasible’. Alan Sutton (Con, Fittleworth) accepted
that the scheme was ‘far from ideal’ but stressed that the current designs would
be ‘far from the final plan’. Insisting that the cabinet was listening to
people’s concerns, he added: ‘There’s been an awful lot of work in the
background to take into account the various views and to try to come to a
sensible solution that not only represents the residents and the users but gives
us the opportunity to do something for the future.’
Mr Sutton said he understood some of the frustration being voiced over the
plans, adding: ‘There are very strong feelings around this issue – and feelings
are always the things that are most difficult to deal with.
‘What we’re dealing with here is a decision that isn’t based on feelings, it’s
based on facts.’
Roy Briscoe (Con, Westbourne) added: ‘This is the start of the process – these
are the initial proposals.
‘It can and will develop. I’m absolutely certain about that. We also have
to be mindful that, through the villages, some of the areas will be turned into
20mph areas. Hopefully it will have an impact, it will provide additional
safety measures for cyclists, pedestrians and car users.’
Mr Briscoe reminded the meeting that, in 2017, a lack of local support led to
improvements on the A27 being scrapped by the Secretary of State.
He added: ‘I’d hate to see that be the case for this because it does offer some
improvements.’
It was a concern which was also touched on by Edgar Vila Pouca, the National
Highways programme manager.
He warned: ‘Currently the funding is allocated. Should we decide to start again
we would need to put a new bid in. There are no guarantees at all that you
would be successful.’
As for the route itself, Mr Vila Pouca said: ‘Ideally we would like to segregate
traffic from cyclists and cyclists from pedestrians and we’ve done that on part
of the route where we can. Where we can’t, we’ve followed the guidance.
The guidance is very clear and it prefers to put cyclists mixing with
pedestrians rather than vehicles where we have vehicles of the significance that
we do along this section of road – and at the speeds that they do travel along
there. Within the scheme, we’re looking at reducing speeds and we need to
work with West Sussex on that. We’re also having conversations about
reducing the width of the carriageway.’
Pointing out that 13-15,000 vehicles use the A259 every day, Mr Vila Pouca said
only the most confident of cyclists currently risked using the road. The
new scheme would open up the route to all.
He added: ‘We do have ideas for improving the scheme but those ideas need to be
discussed with [the county council} in a technical matter if the scheme is to
proceed to the next stage of design.’
The cabinet noted those discussions and asked for the district council to be
consulted on any changes to the scheme.
The News 20th January 2021
6th January
Havant Borough
Council and East Hampshire District Council Partnership Comes to an End
After a 12-year
partnership, Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council have
decided that it is the right moment to establish their own management teams so
they can focus on their different strategic priorities and deliver outcomes for
their communities more quickly.
The partnership has
been very successful since it was created in 2009 and has delivered significant
savings for both councils - as well as providing other benefits.
Cllr Alex Rennie,
Leader of Havant Borough Council, said: "We have had a really successful
partnership but this is the right moment to move in our own directions.
"I would like to
thank all the staff who have pulled out all the stops to deliver our shared
priorities.
"I envisage that we
will continue to work closely where there are tangible benefits for our
communities."
Cllr Richard Millard,
Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: "We have worked as close
partners because we have had a number of shared interests over the years - but
now is the time to focus on our specific areas and really target our energy into
delivering outcomes which benefit our specific communities.
"The management team
and staff across both organisations have done an absolutely fantastic job and I
look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver our priorities."
Havant Borough Council
6th January 2022
4th January
Emsworth volunteer recognised in New Year’s Honours list for dedication to
museum and stroke club
A woman who has dedicated decades of her life to the Emsworth community has been
named a medallist of the Order of the British Empire.
Dorothy Bone has worked tirelessly over the years as honorary secretary of the Emsworth Maritime
and Historical Trust, promoting the area’s heritage, and as honorary minute
secretary for the Emsworth Stroke Club.
Now, the great-grandmother is being recognised for voluntary services to her
community as she is named in the New Year’s Honours.
She has been awarded a British Empire Medal, or BEM
Dorothy, who turns 84 on January 8, said:
“I was very surprised and honoured to get the envelope at the beginning of
December. I don’t know anybody else
who’s had an award. I imagine somebody recommended me. I imagine there are
thousands who get their names put forward - I would have thought there wouldn’t
be room for me with all the doctors and nurses working through Covid."
Having lived in Emsworth for just over 40 years, and volunteering at the museum
for nearly that length of time, Dorothy – has been Honorary Secretary of the
Emsworth Maritime and Historical Trust since its inception in 1982 – has seen
many changes at the heritage venue.
I think it’s a long service, shall we say," Dorothy said.
"Because I’ve been with it for so long, I’ve been through its ups and downs.
I’ve seen quite a few different aspects of it."
While she is interested in local history, what Dorothy likes best is talking to
people and helping organise volunteers at the museum.
She said: "I like finding volunteers to help man the museum when it’s open, and
that can be quite a challenge in the summer.
I enjoy talking to people, and that’s what keeps me going there. I also
help with finding exhibitions to encourage people to come in.
That’s been quite a challenge with Covid, obviously people are very wary.
But we have managed to stay open."
The museum is able to keep running due to donations given by the public.
"We have to raise all our funds the best we can," Dorothy said.
"People are very generous to Emsworth Museum. Our efforts are rewarded."
Trevor Davies, museum chairman, said: ‘In 1982, the idea of an Emsworth Museum
was in its infancy, supported only by a few personal collections of objects in
individual garages.
"Dorothy has determinedly supported the trust as it developed into a fully
functioning, wholly volunteer museum in Emsworth located in an iconic building
leased from Havant Borough Council.
"During that time, she has shown great commitment in taking on a formidable
workload that runs far beyond the scope of the normal secretarial role.
She looks after the museum volunteer stewarding rota; the co-ordination
answering of local history queries received from members of the public;
coordinates publicity as well as a number of other administrative jobs.
In recent years, in spite of her increasing immobility and frailty,
Dorothy has continued carrying out all these responsibilities from home - by
telephone and email."
Dorothy is also being honoured for her work with the Emsworth Stroke Club.
Dorothy’s husband passed away in 1996 following a stroke.
She said: "The stroke club helped a lot when he had his stroke, making life a
bit easier to cope with, so I offered to help out."
Emsworth Stroke Club sadly folded during the first lockdown.
Trevor added: "The chairman of the Emsworth Stroke Club Mrs Gillian Knight told
me that Dorothy has also been a tower of strength in support of this
organisation for many years."
Dorothy has a stepson, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Chichester Observer
4th January 2022
1st January 2021
Table
Tennis in Emsworth – a resounding success!
Maybe it was at school, through an official club, as part of a leisure centre’s
activities or across the dining room table with the family but one thing is
almost certain. We’ve all encountered Table Tennis at some point on life’s
journey. What’s the betting you found it great fun too? It’s also possible that
it’s crossed your mind that at some time, some day, maybe, you might get around
to investigating the possibility of playing the odd game.
Well, be assured that Table Tennis is very much alive and kicking right here in
Emsworth Community Centre. Members are predominately of the older generations
and retired people but not all. Some are able to make table tennis part of their
work/life balance. All standards of play are in evidence too from the early
stage players to league players all mixing. Often people turn up with an
apologetic ‘I haven’t played for 40 years’ but 3 or 4 sessions later it’s plain
that the old knack is returning. Others quite openly admit to having no real
experience but would like to try. No problem. We welcome all and are happy to
help, guide and encourage.
We also have a budding youth section.
We
play across seven good quality tables and have coaches in our membership and our
own ‘robot’ to help with coaching. How many groups can say that? Competitive? Of
course we are. There is no point in playing if there is no competition. But we
never let it spoil the atmosphere of fun and laughter.
What’s in it for you? Fun, friends and a good workout. It’s just amazing how
table tennis exercises sharpens the body both physically and mentally. As an
accomplished player we can guarantee you some hard-hitting competition and maybe
the possibility of play in one of our four successful league teams.
Sessions take place on:-
It costs just £2.50 per session. All we ask is that you become a member of
Emsworth Community Association for the grand price of £5 per annum. We bet
you’ve never realised that such value could be so inexpensive.
Tempted? C’mon. We can lend you a bat. Game on!
Contacts:-
Stephen Long stephen.long@emsworthcommunitycentre.org.uk
Dwynwen Stepien dwynwen.stepien@emsworthcommunitycentre.org.uk