Emsworth News

Updated: 31 August 2010   

Comment on any of these news items HERE

31st August

LT COL JOHN Q DAVIS 1947 - 2010

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Lt Col. John Q Davis OBE, Chichester Harbour Master and Manager.

John suffered a suspected heart attack on Saturday 28 August and was pronounced dead on arrival at Queen Alexandra Hospital. At the time, John was out racing in his beloved keel boat Fleury.
John was appointed Harbour Master and Manager in July 1997. He worked tirelessly for Chichester Harbour, a place that was much loved by him and his family.

In 2005 he was awarded an OBE for his services to sailing and the environment.

Richard Craven, Acting Harbour Master said, 'we are devastated by the sudden loss of John Davis, both a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.' John is survived by his wife Valerie and two children Ben and Becky.

Source: Chichester Harbour Conservancy

30th August

EMSWORTH’S GOT TALENT

 Calling all Emsworth’s young people the Community Association are organising Emsworth’s first ever talent show at the Emsworth Community Association North Street.

Can you…sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, do tricks, play an instrument, or have a hidden talent you could share. Emsworth’s got talent will be open to all young people aged 7 – 17 - Just come along there is  no need to book. Auditions will be held on:

• Thursday 21st October 3.45pm – 6pm

• Monday 25th October 9.45am – 12.00

• Wednesday 27th October 12.45pm – 3pm

• Friday 29th October 3.45pm – 6pm

The grand finale will take place on Saturday 30th October 7pm

1st Prize: £50 of Gift Tokens
2nd Prize: £25 of Gift Tokens
3rd Prize: £10 of Gift Tokens

23rd August

A Last Hope for the Emsworth Food Festival?

It has been reported in The News last week that the hugely popular Food Festival is as “dead as a dodo” but the community interest company that has run the festival since 2006 has not been officially wound up.

Councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray, chairman of Emsworth Business Association, said:
“In its current format, it's as dead as a dodo. I accept there are a lot of people who want it but in my view it's past its best before date”

There is now growing support for a return of the festival in 2011 although the current company directors are not planning to bring it back although the company has not been officially wound up.

Ms Bowerman, company chairman, has described the festival as a 'political hot potato' which had divided opinion in Emsworth and that resurrecting the event would be an uphill battle due to spiralling costs and red tape. She is quoted as saying,

“Taking on the event required a huge amount of organisation, including organising a large number of wardens and sponsorship deals. She said: 'It's time for new people to come forward and raise the money, go to the council and the rest of it.”

There can be little doubt that the festival was an enormous asset to the town, an assumption supported by the face to face visitor survey conducted by the company during the 2006 event. (Read it HERE) and the recent online survey HERE which showed overwhelming support for the festival’s return.

In Ms Bowerman’s view,
"'New blood' taking on the organisation of the event could be the only glimmer of hope for the festival's future.”

In spite of our local councillor’s negative and largely uninformed opinion it seems to be the case that what now is the opportunity for someone to step up to the plate and organise on the festival’s revival for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors alike to the benefit of the Emsworth business community.

The obvious question is – 'Is there any one out there to take on this task?'  Emsworth Online is confident that such a person would receive the support of the army of volunteers who were once responsible for making the festival the success that it was.

Read the article from The News HERE

Comment on this news HERE

23^rd August

Wettest August day for over Ten Years

Sunday 22^nd August proved to be Emsworth’s wettest August day for along time.
Overnight, Sunday-Monday, 4.1 cm (1.6 inches – approximately 66% of the mean August precipitation for the region) of rain fell in a little over one hour reaching a rate of 1.48 mm/min for a brief period at midnight.  However, Emsworth escaped the very strong winds forecast for the rest of the region although standing water on our roads, causing some minor delays on the eastbound A27.

22nd August

En-gauging exhibition is on track to succeed

If you have a passion, or even a passing interest in the history of trains then Emsworth museum is a must-visit this month.

The museum, above the fire station in North Street has a plethora of artifacts, replica models, the layout chart from the now defunct signal box at Havant and information about the early days of rail travel in Emsworth and the surrounding areas.

Put together by transport enthusiast, and Emsworth resident Margaret Rogers, the exhibition which started on Saturday (July 31), is open until August 31. The 76-year-old

took a doctorate two years ago at university specialising in transportation, and then she felt compelled to tell the story of Emsworth's rail history.

She said: "When I retired I thought I can do something on what I would like to do.

"I have always been interested in transportation I did a doctorate on travel which included trains, everything on wheels, you name it, it moved it was there.

"We have got quite a lot of good artifacts." There are also a number of early photographs of trains and drivers from resident Alan Bell who has kindly lent them to exhibition.

The museum is open 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  The exhibition closes on Sunday 29^th August.

Source: Ems Valley Gazette August 2010

22nd August

Miniatures will be big reminder of sacrifices

 Emsworth's war memorial `Absence' has been recreated in the form of 99 handcrafted miniatures which will go on sale at the end of the month.

The Absence sculpture was installed at the Emsworth Memorial Garden in 2006. It is in the south-east corner of the Horndean Road recreation ground. The sculpture shows a soldier silhouetted into a sail shape. It is the work of Yorkshire-based artist Michael Johnson whose inspiration came from visiting the village.

As a result of the interest generated by the sculpture, Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden have commissioned a limited edition of just the miniature replicas, each a work of art in its own right.

The chairman of the Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden,

Viiginia Wilson-Smith, said: "It ceryainly is a work of art which is linked to Emsworth. Once the 99 have gone then that's it.
"It grew from somebody asking: `Can I get a little replica of the sculpture?'
"I thought if we are going to do it, we should do it nicely."

Each will be numbered and have its own correspondingly-numbered Certificate of Provenance signed by I lie artist guaranteeing its authenticity.
The seven-inch tall sculptures will be made using the same stainless steel material and the same processes used in the creation of his original. They will be unveiled at the Emsworth Show on August 30. The price has yet to be announced, but it has been indicated there will be a special launch-day-only price Availably to visitors at the popular show.

For information about how to buy a miniature after the show, call Virginia Wilson-Smith on 01243

Source: Ems Valley Gazette August 2010

20th August

Keep an Eye out over Emsworth this Afternoon

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT WILL COMPLETE AN HISTORIC BATTLE OF BRITAIN STATION TOUR IN COMMEMORATION OF 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN TO DAY.

A former Battle of Britain Station Overflight tour by BBMF - Spitfire P7350, the oldest airworthy Spitfire and the only Spitfire still flying to have actually fought in the Battle of Britain and Hurricane LF363, the last Hurricane to enter service with the RAF will join in formation with Spitfire AB910, which flew over 143 operational missions in WWII and Hurricane R4118, the only Hurricane from the Battle of Britain still flying. The aircraft will tour key Battle of Britain fighter bases, PDF of proposed route

The flight is scheduled to fly over Thorney Island at 16.44hrs (4.44pm) this afternoon.

Source: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight 19-Aug-10

18th August

A Snippet of Local History

A video clip from an advert for a collapsible caravan from 1959
Ken Strugnell, then a scooter engineer, was filmed riding his Lambretta scooter from Emsworth to Bosham Quay, to advertise a new fold-away caravan in 1959.

The advert, made by Pathe for the Southbourne Sheet Metal Company, showed Mr Strugnell, then 26, ride his scooter towing the caravan, with his 'wife', and 'daughter' in a sidecar.

The fold away caravan way not a success and failed to catch on.
 

Read the whole story in The News 17-Aug-10

17th August

Help us preserve a piece of Havant's railway History

A small piece of a town's history may be lost unless urgent support is offered to bring it back to its former glory.

The old Havant signal box is a Grade II listed building which, supporters believe, could draw railway enthusiasts and tourists to the town if given plenty of care and attention.

For several years the Havant and Bedhampton Community Board has been fighting to retain the building and there was talk of raising funds to move it to another area.

That idea has been scrapped and the intention is to keep it where it is but the public's help is needed to do it.

David Webb, chairman of a sub-group of the Havant and Bedhampton Community Board, said: 'This is a very important part of Havant's heritage.

'It is a gem that needs to be smartened up and at the moment we're trying to enthuse people to get involved in the project.

'We must form a trust which we are naming the Havant Signal Box Preservation Society and once that is set up we can apply for funding from a number of organisations.

'We want to do some modifications and turn the first floor into a railway museum.'

A similar project in St Albans, Hertfordshire, cost £200,000 and although it is a lot of money Mr Webb says he believes it will be worth it.

He added: 'We have already applied for a small amount of funding from Hampshire County Council via Cllr Ann Buckley which is helping us get going.

'Now we really need railway minded people in the local area to step forward and make this idea a reality.

'Once that is done we will make a formal request to Network Rail to transfer this asset to the trust.'

The building, which has stood since 1876 until Network Rail modernised its signalling in 2007, is just north of Havant railway station.

Historic images which capture the signal box in its hey-day are available online at www.havant.gov.uk/havant-2879 .

Anyone interested in joining the trust should contact Mr Webb on (023) 9248 3162 or email Dwebb7@sky.com

The News 17-Aug-10

15th August

A sticky End!

Range Rover driver gets stuck in the mud.
A rather stupid and inconsiderate motorist decided to take his Range Rover or a spin along the foreshore at Nore Barn Woods yesterday evening. The barrier being locked shut as usual he decided to drive across the salt marsh and through the mud leaving deep ruts. Returning later and taking a broader sweep at the obstacle the vehicle  became well and truly stuck just short of the shingle beach. Unattended and still stuck at 9.00pm the vehicle was later towed out.

Local residents were incensed by this inconsiderate and irresponsible behaviour damaging the marsh in the Chichester Harbour ANOB with total disregard for the local byelaws.

13th August

Havant’s Mayor Encourages Veterans To Come Forward       

The Mayor of Havant, Councillor Yvonne Weeks is asking veterans living in the borough to attend a reception that will be held in the Civic Offices later this month.

Former service personnel along with a guest are being invited to the event on Thursday 26th August, between 2pm and 4pm in the Civic Suite. Wearing medals is optional for all those attending.

The reception that will include afternoon tea is part of the Mayor’s commitment to one of her main charities this year: The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.

The Mayor of Havant, Councillor Yvonne Weeks says: “I was inspired to set up this event after meeting service personnel at the recent Emsworth Medals ceremony that was organised by 58 (Eyre’s) Battery. I’d urge veterans from across the borough to contact the Mayor’s secretary to find out about attending, I’m keen to recognise the valuable contribution they have made to our local community during their time in the armed forces.”

Source: Portsmouth news.tv 13-Aug-10

12th August

Work Begins On The PSV

Initial work for the Havant Public Service Village (PSV) will begin on Monday 16th August when contractors will move existing gas, electric and water services and drains on the Civic Centre site in preparation for the main construction work which begins in October.

A reduction in car parking spaces available at the front of the Civic Offices will be unavoidable when this work takes place.

There will be disabled bays marked out as close to the building as possible. Temporary changes to the reception area will take place in early September over a series of weekends, to enable access for customers and visitors to the Civic Offices to continue during working hours.

The work carried out through August and September will enable the contractor to have clear access to begin the first phase of the PSV in early October. Morgan Sindall is the preferred contractor for the main contract and the agreement to finalise the contractual arrangements is currently being prepared.

This is just the beginning of redevelopment of the Civic Offices into a high quality, welcoming and attractive place for customers.  A ground breaking partnership between Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council to develop this first phase of the PSV will transform service delivery to the councils’ many customers by bringing together a range of public and voluntary services in one location and help regenerate the town.

It will also make the building even more energy efficient with reduced running costs, and will contribute towards a reduced carbon footprint for both councils.  Being able to accommodate the relocation of over 250 social care staff and other front line staff from Hampshire County Council, in addition to the 420 mainly Havant Borough Council employees based in the building, will enable a new streamlined and more efficient way of working supported through the use of new technology and flexible working practices.

During the construction and refurbishment works, services to the public that are provided by Havant Borough Council, Hampshire County Council Highways and Havant Citizens’ Advice Bureau will continue from the Civic Offices although there will be changes to the layout of the reception, car parking arrangements for visitors and staff, location of staff teams and the location of committee and other meetings held by Havant Borough Council. The NHS Learning Disability Service which currently operates from Civic Offices will temporarily relocate to offices in River Way, Havant during the refurbishment.

If you require any information about the Public Service Village please contact us at Customer Services on 023 9244 6019 or visit www.havant.gov.uk/havant-10771

Source: portsmouthnews.tv 12-Aug-10

10th August

Ever Wanted To Try Windsurfing?       

Havant Borough Council has organised a series of taster sessions at the National Windsurfing Festival (NWF) on Hayling Island on 4th and 5th September.

As sponsors of this year’s event the Council’s sports development officer, Kyle Hanna, arranged the windsurfing taster sessions for those who have always wanted to give windsurfing a try.

Kyle said: “This is a great opportunity for those wanting to have a go at windsurfing, with all equipment supplied including wet suit, board, and safety equipment plus one and a half hours professional coaching for just £5.00 per person.  It could even be something for the whole family to try!

“A maximum of 10 people per session, aged eight and above, for absolute beginners so everyone starts at first base - so there is no need to be shy.”

Sessions on both days are at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm if you are interested please visit www.havant.gov.uk/havant-9762  where you can download a booking form or telephone 023 9244 6021.

Source: portsmouthnews.tv 09-Aug-10

4th August

Emsworth One of Ten of the greatest British heritage sites

Emsworth has been identified in the Mail Online as one of the greatest British Heritage Sites as the home of P J Woodhouse taught at  Emsworth House School from 1904 and lived in Emsworth until 1914.

 Woodhouse used many Hampshire place names as character names in his novels but Emsworth itself actually features in disguise in his novel "Damsel in Distress". Emsworth House School features in "The Little Nugget"
.
PG Wodehouse, England's greatest comic writer, lived for a few years before World War I in Emsworth, near Chichester in Hampshire

CLIVE ASLET, Editor at Large, Country Life, wrote,

 “PG Wodehouse, England's greatest comic writer, lived for a few years before World War I in Emsworth, near Chichester. This oyster-fishing town on the south coast gave him the name of the absent-minded, pig-besotted lord, whose seat is Blandings Castle. Wodehouse's home was called Threepwood, and Freddie Threepwood was Lord Emsworth's son. The topographical connection goes on. Threepwood stands in Record Road, originally called Beach Road: Beach is the name of Lord Emsworth's butler. From Emsworth, Wodehouse on one occasion bicycled the 65 miles to London  -  a feat replicated, in other circumstances, by Bertie Wooster. It was typical of Wodehouse that, though his best books were written in the Twenties and Thirties, he should revert to names he had encountered in the Edwardian Residents Association. In some ways, the world he created around Bertie Wooster glowed with the nostalgia of a long Edwardian afternoon; in other ways, it is timeless.”

Source: The Mail Online 01-Aug-10

30th July

Warning over Emsworth cold-calls

Homeowners have been warned against cold-callers offering to block pave and tarmac their driveways.

Hampshire County Council's trading standards believes traders are cold-calling and dropping off leaflets offering the service in Emsworth.

It warns that traders are not providing customers with the required notice of right to cancel, which gives people a seven day cooling-off period before work starts.

Trading standards also fear these builders may start work without obtaining written consent.

They are now advising residents not to agree to work as a result of a cold-call or via a leaflet drop until they have checked everything out.

Trading standards officers say householders should obtain at least three quotes from reputable businesses or traders.

And it advises people to make sure those firms belong to a recognised trade association, such as the Hampshire County Council Buy With Confidence Scheme.

Anyone has information about traders who may be cold-calling or requires advice on doorstep crime, can contact Hampshire County Council's Quick Response Team on 01962 833666.

The News 30 July 2010

27th July

The Chilli Jam Company has been rewarded at The National Great Taste Awards

Local company wins two star award for “Oil Fired”

“Oil Fired” Is an exciting cooking oil produced from locally grown rapeseed oil and chillies combine to give the oil its dazzling colour and heat. Produced by The Chilli Jam Company of Emsworth "Oil Fired" is ust right to cook with, spice with, drizzle with and imagine with! “Oil Fired” can be purchased locally from R A Tier, greengrocer, in the High St. and online at: www.thechillijamcompany.co.uk .

The coveted black & gold-star GREAT TASTE stickers adorn thousands of speciality foods stocked on shelves and counters in stores throughout the UK and more recently, even as part of a television commercial.

Of all the UK’s food award schemes, the GREAT TASTE AWARDS is the most important. Completely independent and uncompromisingly rigorous, it is trusted by retailers, buyers and consumers. GREAT TASTE is to speciality food and drink what MICHELIN is to fine dining.

In 2010, over 6000 products were judged over an intense two-month period. The Awards’ organiser, the Guild of Fine Food constantly refines the judging mechanics and this year was no exception. Before gold is awarded, a minimum of eight experts, often 16 taste, discuss and agree. For two- or three-stars, up to 20 judges must unanimously agree an entry has achieved absolute perfection. Over 350 experts including key buyers, retailers, chefs and food writers blind tasted entries to ensure they are fairly and independently assessed. Every entry starts with 25 points and marks are deducted when faults are identified and constructive feedback offers suggestions to the producers how entries could be improved.

The Chilli Jam Company was established in Emsworth in 2004 by Tessa and Sue. Tessa has a long established and very successful catering business, combining her culinary expertise with existing kitchen facilities. Sue spent sevResidents Associationl years in Africa growing chillies and developing innovative chilli recipes. On her return to Emsworth she met up with Tessa again and all their experiences and qualities went into the melting pot and The Chilli Jam Company was born.

After first tastings at The Emsworth Food Festival in September 2004 evoked an overwhelming response  production began the following December.

Source: The Guild of Fine Food Association

26th July

26th July

Rubbish and Recycling Collection Change

Havant Borough Council is making changes to the rubbish and recycling collection service as part of its approach to reducing the council’s carbon footprint, as well as providing a more cost effective well-defined service.

The new improved service will mean that collection times and days may change from October 2010.

Residents in the borough will receive a letter during September with exact details of how these changes may affect them.  Not everyone will have a change in collection day, but the times in which your bins are collected may change.

he change will start week commencing the Monday 4th October 2010.

A letter will be sent to all households in September, informing you of your last collection under the old scheduled collection day, and what your new collection day will be. You will be informed whether to present rubbish or recycling to coincide with the new rounds.

Following the successful introduction of Alternate Weekly Collections in the borough, Havant Borough Council now needs to make your rubbish and recycling collections more efficient.  In order to provide a more cost effective well-defined service, keeping Council Tax increases to a minimum and to reduce Havant Borough Council’s Carbon Footprint, making us more environmentally friendly.

The change will start week commencing the Monday 4th October 2010. You will receive a letter in September, informing you of your last collection under the old scheduled collection day, and what your new collection day will be. You will be informed whether to present rubbish or recycling to coincide with the new rounds.Source: Havant Borough Council

24th July

NHS' new plans for Havant hospital

A PLANNING application for a new community hospital in Havant is set to be submitted in October, senior health officials have revealed.
The original plans for the Oak Park Hospital which were scrapped last autumn,

Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, said her team were working on a hospital "to be proud of."

More than £3million will be spent on transforming Oak Park Children's Centre, in Lavant Drive, and an extension will mean three-quarters of it will become space for a community hospital.

If approved, the new hospital could be up and running by autumn 2012.

"It looks like a modern clinical building. Borough councillors were angry when news of the delay first surfaced last year, with a campaign launched to put pressure on the health authority.

Source: Hayling Islander

23rd July

Emsworth Business Association Summer BBQ

The EBA summer BBQ looks to become a regular feature in the calendar.
Last years BBQ raised £450 for he “Help The Heroes” charity  This year the event will take place at The Lord Raglan on Sunday 1st August 2.00pm - 6.00pm and the  will be raising funds for St Wilfred's Hospice. Tickets are available  from: Classy Cooks, Emsworth Hardware, Treagust Butchers and the Brookfield Hotel -  Adults £10 Children( under 10) £5 to include a glass of wine/ soft drink and Food.

Food Festival directors remain silent

Emsworth residents dismayed by decision to "wind up" the Food Festival.
Since publishing the news that first the Food Festival might be revived in 2011 (March 24th) and then that the festival is to be "wound up" entirely (May 18th) Emsworth Online has awaited a formal statement from the directors first promised by their chairman Ms Bowerman over two months ago. Concerned Emsworth residents who responded to the first article were unanimously in favour of the festival’s return others have raised  particular issues regarding the festival’s demise questioning the propriety of the directors’ decision. Further issues raised have included:

Read what others have said about the Food Festival's final demise HERE

22nd July

A Busy weekend in Emsworth is coming up

Lots happening in Emsworth this weekend!
A last opportunity to see “ Maps,  Prints and Stories” Exhibition by Clive Pugh and Wendy Bright at Emsworth Museum in North Street. The exhibition demonstrates the pleasure and amusement that collecting maps and prints can bring. On display are ordnance surveys of Emsworth and Westbourne with their errors Indicated, and old maps and prints and clues on how to date them, classic sea Charts, and cartoons and caricatures.

Next door in the Community Association on Saturday you will find  The Quilt Show by Bourne Quilters 10.00am - 4.00pm Many glorious quilts to see, a Sales Table to tempt you, refreshments, Demonstrators and traders and a Raffle Quilt in aid of the Rowans Hospice.

Finally, on Saturday at International House in the Square Local artist Louise Russell is exhibiting her work. Louise works in a variety of media including oils, watercolours and felt tip.

16th July

Snow problems in Emsworth will be dealt with in future

We may be in the middle of summer but councillors are already planning for the next snow storm.

Havant Borough Council is drawing up plans to cope with future severe winters like the one experienced earlier this year. It has highlighted the need to clear major car parks for workers and shoppers after a report into January's snowstorms revealed the council lost around £15,000 in car park revenue.   During the period of heavy snow in January car park income throughout the borough was down by around £10,000 and fines by approximately £5,000.

Tony Cailes, technical services manager at the council, said that in future the most important council run car parks for shoppers and workers must be cleared.

In Emsworth top priority will be gieven to the Car Park in South Street.

Councillor Jenny Wride, who is in charge of transport at the council, said: 'We did not actually have a car park winter maintenance programme simply because we have never had such extreme weather.  

'But then we must focus on our responsibilities, particularly the car parks.'

The plans were agreed at Havant Borough Council's cabinet meeting the Civic Offices

Source: The News 16-July-10

14th July

TOPIC coming to Southbourne

A NEW mobile information service offering advice and support to older residents in West Sussex will be in Southbourne on Friday July 30.

The Older People’s Information Centre (TOPIC) will be at Age Concern, New Road, between 11am-2pm to provide information and advice on a range of issues that affect older people, including:

• Pensions and benefits.
• Keeping warm.
• Home fire safety.
• Health and wellbeing.
• Local groups and activities.
• Days out.
• Support for carers, practical help and much more.

Advice and support will be available from West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service, the Pension Services, Chichester District Older People’s Partnership, Disability & Carers Service, Chichester Community Partnership Team and Action in Rural Sussex.

TOPIC was devised by Derek Covill, a Community Fire Protection Advisor with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: “The thinking behind TOPIC is that the Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies can ensure help and information is reaching those people in more rural locations who may not normally have such easy access to it because of transport or disability.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “I would encourage carers, nurses, health visitors or any group that regularly visit or care for older or disabled people ito come along so they can hear more about the services available. Where appropriate individual appointments to visit people in their home can be made.”

No appointment is necessary and free refreshments will be provided.

Further information can be obtained from Derek on 07921 291170

2nd July

A Celebration of Eight Hundred years of History

St Mary's Church, Chidham Flower Festival
Dating from the thirteenth century St Mary's is celebrating eight hundred years of Christian worship with a spectacular flower festival this weekend. Entry is free but donations to the upkeep of the church are welcome. The festival is open at the following times: Friday & Saturday 10am - 6pm and on Sunday 12noon - 6pm.

30th June

One Step Closer
After many years of planning and fund raising a planning application has now been submitted for the new Baptist Church building.

Located on the NE corner of the intersection of North Street and the A259 the new building will provide an impressive and welcome addition to on this very prominent site. The existing church hall, dating from the eighteen seventies will be demolished to make room for the new building whilst the existing chapel will be retained. The building will be modem in outlook but also one that will fit well with the character of Emsworth, particularly with the conservation area which lies just south of the church development. It is intended to make the building as ‘green’ as possible, essential for the long-term success of the project both in terms of the environment and running costs.

The auditorium will be linked to the street frontage by a large circulation foyer space, capable of accommodating spill out for 300 people from the auditorium. The design of the foyer I will ensure intResidents Associationction between the high street and the Church; fulfilling roles as a social meeting space and as an addition al hall for dining and multi purpose use. It should incorporate a reception area with room to display posters and notices.

The Church has a wide reaching presence in the local community, from the young to the old, and the improvement of this facility will have a positive impact on the continuing delivery of these important services.



The location of the proposed development at the junction between North Street and the High Street at the intersection of the A259 Havant Road is an important location for the town.
This sensitively designed building will act as a signpost for the town centre whilst travelling along the A259 and could effectively knit together the urban fabric at this location, a quality diminished by the creation of the A259 roundabout in the 1970s.

30th June

HARBOUR NURSERY FOR SCHOOLS OF FISH

Coming up with the fish were huge quantities of crabs. Dominic Longley of the Environment Agency, said this was a good sign of a thriving ecosystem as there is obviously plenty for the crabs to eat! Species of fish caught included Bass, Mullett, Plaice, Gobies and Sand Eels. The team were surprised to find a number of 15 spined sticklebacks, the only marine stickleback.

The project team is a partnership between Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee (SSFC) and the Environment Agency. SSFC are responsible for enforcing the Bass Nursery Regulations. Juvenile bass are protected within Chichester Harbour. Fishing for Bass from boats and certain other methods are prohibited within a closed season.                                        

 The Conservancy are keen to collect data on the species thriving under the water. Ed Rowsell, Conservation Officer said, ‘we capture lots of data on mammals and birds but know relatively little about the fish. These ongoing surveys will help us build a knowledge base and ensure that the harbour continues to be a place where juvenile fish can thrive’. Belinda Vause of Sussex Sea Fisheries added, ‘the data we are collecting will also be used by CEFAS for monitoring juvenile Bass in the Nursery area. The Environment Agency are working alongside the other organisations by providing equipment and expertise.

The results of the survey work will be available in due course on the Chichester Harbour website www.conservancy.co.uk .

23 June

Summer Trips on the Solar Heritage

The boat moves to Emsworth for the summer season on the 10 July. One hour trips will be running most days until the end of August.

This is a great way to introduce your friends, family and visitors to the delights of Chichester Harbour. An interesting commentary will tell you about the history and wildlife of this special area.
The boat trips depart from the public jetty and are just £5.50 per adult and £3.50 for children. There is no need to book, but do turn up in good time on sunny days to make sure you get a seat. Departure times are shown on the Conservancy website: www.conservancy.co.uk

16th June

Emsworth Salutes Returning Soldiers

 Under a clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine the residents of Emsworth turned out in their hundreds to salute the soldiers from 58 (Eyre's) Battery Royal Artillery.

 The battery traditionally recruit from Lancashire and Cumbria, but are based at Thorney Island paraded through the town to receive their Afghanistan campaign medals in an historic ceremony.  Led by the band of the Army Air Corps 100 men and women of 58 Battery marched through the town to the square where they were presented with their campaign medals.  As the medals were presented the band struck up Edgar’s “Nimrod” and a silence fell over the centre of Emsworth leaving the many vetResidents Associationns present  with their own quiet memories of their comrades from  campaigns long ago.

 One onlooker was heard to comment: “What a proud day for these lads, it’s good that we can share it with them.”

The parade concluded with a fly past by an Army Air Corps helicopter and the men were enthusiastically cheered by the crowds, which included pupils from Thorney Island School, as they marched off to return to barracks,

A fine end to this unique day when for the first time the battery have been given medals outside of Lancashire or Cumbria where they were traditionally based.

More Photos HERE
Courtesy John Tweddell
& HERE Courtesy John Groom

Watch the Video HERE Courtesy The News

10th June

Fridge of Fear  Comes to Emsworth

A 'FRIDGE of fear' has been created to shock people into good food hygiene.

The fridge will be part of a display tomorrow in West Street, Havant, to highlight the dangers of food poisoning. The fridge shows just what happens when germs get transferred from raw to cooked foods. Havant Borough Council has organised the road show to mark national Food Safety Week.

David Lesser, deputy manager for environmental health at Havant Borough Council, said: 'Every year around 400 people within the Havant area get ill from food poisoning. To help people learn how to prevent such illness we are running these road shows. Anyone joining us can also learn about cooking food properly and avoiding cross contamination.'

The roadshow starts at 9.30am and ends at 4pm. The team will be in St Peter's Square,
 Emsworth, on Friday.

The News 10-06-07

10th June

Havant’s Voice, Your Choice

Coming to Emsworth soon,

Havant Borough Council is asking you, the residents of the borough to come along and voice your opinion on how your council tax money is spent and the way services are delivered.

Brand new for 2010, we will be present at many events and locations to give everyone the opportunity to hear from us how council tax money is budgeted and spent and for you to voice your opinion on what the council should be doing for you.

Sat 5 June – Party in the Park (10am-3pm) in Havant Park
Tue 29 June – Havant Town Centre (Market Day) (10am-3pm)
Sat 10 July – Waterlooville Town Centre (10am-3pm)
Sat 24 July – Water Festival (10am-3pm) at Staunton Park
Wed 4 Aug – Play Day Event (10am-3pm) at Staunton Park
Wed 11 Aug – Hayling Island 3 Church’s Fete (2pm-4.30pm) Hayling Park, Station Rd

Look out for the Council’s Publicity Trailer at these locations which will be full of information that demonstrates the work that we do and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of your councillors that are present.

We are also currently trying to secure a location in Emsworth this summer too!

If you would like further information about these events contact Lee Abraham, Democratic Services on 023 9244 6230.

Havant Borough Council

6th June

Emsworth Explorers find the source of the Ems  - a Sponsored Walk with a Difference.

Fourteen intrepid explorers set out on an Expedition to find the source of the Ems on Sunday morning.
After an exhausting trek through the West Sussex country side the fourteen adventurers and two dogs accompanied by Neil Westbrook, administrator of the Smile for 4Rich Appeal, triumphantly found the source of the mighty river Ems conveniently located close by the Hare and Hounds public house at Stoughton. Together  over £800 was raised through sponsorship and donations for the charity which is the official fund raising body for the Wessex Neurological Centre Trust at Southampton GenResidents Associationl Hospital. This sum will add to the current appeal to purchase cutting edge equipment for Fluorescence Enhanced Neurosurgery.

Star of the expedition must be Dennis Prince of Prinsted who, at 77 was the oldest member,  was treated at the Wessex Neurological unit last year for a broken back,  and completed the walk unaided and had £300 of sponsorship. Dennis and the other members of the expedition would like to thank their numerous supporters and Peter, landlord of The Coal Exchange, for opening early and hosting the expedition before departure.

Wessex Neurological Centre serves a Hugh area including most of the West Country, Hampshire and West Sussex it is even the referral unit for patients from the Falkland Islands who require neuro surgery. Any one wishing to donate to the appeal may do so by following the following link: www.justgiving.com/EMS-EXPEDITION .

1st June

Kleinwort Trust contribute to Eames Farm Education Centre project, Thorney Island

Eames Farm will be promoted as an example of agricultural management – particularly of coastal grazing marsh – within an internationally important conservation area.

This will be of value both to students working within the National Curriculum; to the wider farming and land management community, and to the genResidents Associationl public. The facility will provide a valuable extension to the Conservancy’s existing education programme.

The project will also allow the restoration of traditional farm buildings that contribute to the ovResidents Associationll look of the farm within the landscape.

Eames Farm (170 acres) was acquired by the Chichester Harbour Trust in 2008 and is managed by the Harbour Conservancy. The Trust will pass on the Kleinwort donation to the Conservancy as a contribution towards the ovResidents Associationll cost of the project and it is expected that work on the conversion will begin later this year.

Source: Chichester Harbour Trust

30th May

Aldsworth House Garden Open Day

A hidden Gem just up the road from Emsworth

Dating from 1785 the gardens of Aldsworth House were open to the public for they day on Sunday. SevResidents Associationl hundred visitors enjoyed the  6-acre Victorian family garden being adapted to modern needs by plantaholic owners, with enthusiastic help from terriers and spaniel. Unusual trees, shrubs and perennials including hellebores, old apple trees, magnolias, roses and 120 clematis. Great views. Carpets of spring bulbs, particularly snowdrops, crocus and daffodils. Gravel and walled gardens. Small arboretum. A brief history of the house and garden sritten by the current owners may be read HERE

27th May
 

Marine Crime Update

Sussex Police Project Kraken Alert

In Chichester Area: Between 20/04/2010 and 24/05/2010 there have been seven thefts of small boats, boat trailers, outboards and inflatable dinghies from Dell Quay, Emsworth, Bosham and Snowhill Creek, West Wittering. One dinghy was stolen from a small boatyard in Birdham.

Mariners and local residents are advised to ensure that: boats and equipment are secure and where possible that smaller items such as dinghies are hidden from view.

Remember to: “Lock it and Mark it”

If you witness a theft in progress, do not intervene directly; call the emergency police number 999. For all other enquiries or to report anything suspicious call the number below.

To find out more about Project Kraken, log on to www.sussex.police.uk/kraken  and if you’ve seen anything suspicious call Sussex Police’s non-emergency number 0845 60 70 999 quoting ‘Project Kraken’.

Source: Chichester Harbour Conservancy

19th May

Emsworth Royal Mail Sorting Office Survey   

Royal Mail are reviewing the provision of a service at Emsworth Sorting/Collection office.

I am a degree student at University of Gloucestershire and have selected this service as one of the topics I am researching for my Degree in Community Engagement and Governance. 

Please take two minutes of your time to complete this on-line survey about Emsworth Sorting/Collection Office.  Completion of the survey is anonymous and you just have to click on the link below, answer ten short questions then click 'done' to send.

Complete the survey HERE

If I get a good response to the survey I will pass the analysis onto Emsworth Residents Association and Emsworth Business Association (and any other interested Emsworth community groups). And they will then know how important the people of Emsworth think this service to be. Your views are therefore relevant in the real world and not just important to me as a student.
 
The survey will close at midnight on  Saturday 5th June 2010.

Thank you for contributing to the survey, Vendy Treagust.

19th May

Blood donors needed in Emsworth

Donors are needed to give blood to help save lives.

The next blood donationsessions take place at theEmsworth Community Association, North Street on 21st May & 19th August. The session times are at :13:30 to 15:25 & 16:30 to 19:15. 

18^th May

Food Festival is to be Finally Wound Up?

Has the Food Festival met its final demise?

Since it was announced in March that Ms Bowerman and her fellow directors where seeking to consult over the possible revival of the festival in 2011 Emsworth Online received reports in early April that the festival is to be wound up and that there would certainly be no festival in 2011.

Emsworth Online has approached the directors for further elucidation and has been told that an “official statement from the directors” will be issued shortly.  To date no such statement has been received so it is impossible to confirm this story. One is left to wonder who has been consulted and how far the directors are really in touch with the strength of feeling about this issue amongst the residents of Emsworth.

Feedback from our story published in March shows a unanimous support for the return of the Food Festival although a number of respondents questioned the credibility of the existing director’s competence to run and manage it. Details of these responses can be viewed HERE.

The directors' statement will be published in full on this website as soon as it is received.

18th May

Thursday 17th June – 10.00am – 12.30pm, The Spring, Havant

Wednesday 30th June – 10.00am – 12.30pm, Leigh Park Community Centre

Wednesday 30th June – 2.00pm – 4.30pm, Emsworth Community Centre

The road-shows are also a chance to discuss your project ideas with us. Places are free but limited so you will need to book. Please contact: Anna Jarvis, Development Officer, HLF 0207 5916 annaj@hlf.org.uk

13^th May

Anger at plans to build new estate on West Sussex farmland

Emsworth residents have questioned the legality of plans to build 280 homes on farmland.

More than 100 people packed into St James Church, to voice their concerns at plans by Linden Homes to transform Hampshire Farm, between Emsworth and Westbourne.

Campaigners say Havant Borough Council is in danger of 'accelResidents Associationting' housebuilding on greenfield sites, rather than using brownfield sites first.

Emsworth Residents' Association claims there are still 494 homes yet to be built on a number of more sustainable sites in the borough.

Chris Curry, from the residents' association, said: 'Our concern is they are accelResidents Associationting a greenfield site above other sites.’

'As part of this process we produced our policy synopsis and presented it to counsel who advised that the principle of the allocation of Hampshire Farm coming forward now was correct. Mr O'Brien said he was 'very keen' to work alongside Emsworth Residents' Association.

The News 12-May-05

9th May

Tories tightened their grip in what was an historic night for Havant Borough Council.

The political landscape became a brighter shade of blue as the Tories made two gains, one each from Labour and the LibResidents Associationl Democrats, and many councillors increased their majorities

The latest results means the Tories on Havant council have increased their majority from 32 to 34 out of 38 seats.

Cllr Briggs said: 'I am extremely pleased with the result, not only my own results, but the results right across the Havant borough

In Emsworth David Gillett was returned with a vote of 3124 ( 53.4% of the votes cast).

7th May

Local Candidate Romps Home

David Willetts retained his Havant seat and even doubled his majority to 12,000 with a swing of 1.8% from the Lib Dems to the conservatives.

Mr Willetts, who first won the Havant seat for the Conservatives in 1992, said he was delighted at doubling his majority.

The political landscape in Havant remains true blue with Labour well and truly squeezed into third place both in local and parliamentary polls in the borough. The 63.2 per cent turnout was just two points up on 2005.

6th May

New Bird Hide at Cobnor

A derelict bird-viewing hide at Cobnor has been demolished and a new one built and put in place for the public to enjoy the many thousands of birds that visit Chichester Harbour each year.

An enthusiastic team of volunteers from the Friends of Chichester Harbour, worked with Rangers from Chichester Harbour Conservancy to erect the new hide. The hide had been designed and built by the Rangers in their Itchenor workshop.

The new bird hide is open to all, to enjoy the views over Nutbourne Marshes. A colourful panel gives photos and information on the birds that might be spotted. Nicky Horter for the Conservancy said, ‘the new hide is a great improvement, this is a lovely, restful spot to stop and admire the view as well as to spend time watching our wonderful wildlife’.

The new hide is dedicated to Joan Edom, who grew up at Cobnor and was instrumental in achieving the Local Nature Reserve designation for the marshes. Joan was the Conservancy’s first conservation warden, as a volunteer and then in an honorary role. Joan set about organising the bird count system in Chichester Harbour which laid the foundation for the vast dataset now held by the Conservancy.

Chichester Harbour Conservancy 06-May-10

30th April

Dramatic Helicopter Rescue

Vigilant Emsworth resident, Jim Cottis, whose home overlooks the sea in Emsworth, spotted a man apparently collapsed in a yacht a couple of hundred metres offshore.  Jim alerted the coastguards who promptly sent a helicopter to winch the distressed sailor to safety,  HM Coast guard, Lee on the Solent, later confirmed that the casualty had been successfully air lifted to hospital.

30th April

28th April

Well and Truly Stuck!

While trying to deliver a load of Hoggin to repair the paths in Nore Barn Woods the driver of a Materials Movements truck did not realise that under about a foot of shingle there is soft mud.  The truck sunk up to its off side front axle and became well and truly stuck with a rising tide.  It took a tow truck with a powerful winch and a smaller tractor to the rear over an hour to retrieve the vehicle after much shoving and pulling shortly before high water.

27th April

Hampshire Farm Planning Application Submitted

A controversial scheme to develop the Hampshire Farm site in the Emsworth Westbourne “gap” has been submitted to Havant Borough Council. After a long period of public consultation Linden Homes has now submitted an outline planning application for 280 new homes on Hampshire Farm, off Redlands Lane, along with a doctor’s surgery and pharmacy, associated access, landscaping and car parking together with 17 hectares (42 acres) of public open space and a new balancing pond. While supported by some in Emsworth on the grounds that it will provide much needed additional housing and create more business for local shops in the town the plans are strongly opposed by Emsworth Residents Association (More HERE).

24th April

GenResidents Associationl Election 2010

David Willetts enjoys his lunch in the Coal Exchange, Emsworth

Unperturbed by the BBC swingometer’s prediction that it would only require an 8% swing to labour for him to loose his seat Tory candidate, David Willetts, concentrated on his lunch after a morning canvassing in Emsworth.  Happy to enjoy his seafood salad in which “the crayfish did not die in vain” in a “real pub” with “real people”, David was confident that he would be re-elected on May 6^th to continue to serve the people of Havant.

23rd April

Emsworth Celebrates St George's Day

Flags waved and children cheered as thousands turned out to celebrate St George's Day pride.

An hour later the parade began with children from Thorney Island School excitedly making their way down Queens Street, ahead of 47 Regiment RA, beaming and waving their flags wildly.

And as a huge tank trundled down the street the crowd cheered and whooped in appreciation as the village celebrated its second St George's Day parade.

The parade was accompanied by the Royal Artillery Band, 40+ vetResidents Associationns of the Korean War and school children from local primary schools. Flags and bunting adorned the town and about 3000 residents and visitors turned out to welcome them in beautiful weather and show appreciation for their unstinting duty in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

The parade was in the presence of the Mayor of Havant and the Commanding Officer of the Regiment. They presented the Imjin Flower to the regiment and vetResidents Associationns that fought in that sometimes forgotten battle along the Imjin River on 23rd April 1951 when so many lost their lives.


Otganissed by the Emsworth Business Association, Brendan Gibb-Gray, councillor for Emsworth who helped organise the event, said he was delighted at the number of people who turned out.

A street collection for Help for Heroes raised £2,060 in just one hour.

The genResidents Associationl consensus amongst the onlookers was that this splendid event should become a regular fixture.

See the Business Association's photos of the event HERE

23rd April

Chidham Parochial Primary School is celebrating its 100th anniversary on the present site.

The first Chidham Primary School was founded in 1846 by the Rev G Walker; it is now a private home known as  ‘Belfry Cottage’. The school moved to the present building in September 1910.

AN EXHIBITION is being organised to mark the centenary. This will feature archive photographs and work which the children will be producing as they seek to tell the story of the school during the past hundred years.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday 17^th July from 10.30am to 2.00pm. This will be followed by a special reunion event for past staff and pupils from 2.00pm until 5.00pm. Anyone who would like to attend is asked to contact the school so that we can send more details about the event.   Please telephone the school 01243 572380.

The school would be delighted to receive any information, photographs or memorabilia that relate to the history of the school which could be loaned and included in the exhibition. It is our ambition to build a video record of ‘school memories’ and we would especially like to interview anyone who would be prepared to tell us their story. 

Admission to the exhibition will be free and tea, coffee and cakes will be on sale.

Our celebrations will continue into the Autumn Term as we mark the first day at the new school which is noted in the school log book on the 26^th September 1910.

We are planning an ‘Edwardian’ day during which there will be a special visit from the Bishop of Horsham who will lead a short service of thanks and will unveil a sculpture which has been specially commissioned to mark the occasion. The original two roomed school was opened on 26^th September 1910 and the school was extended in 1934 to provide two further classrooms.

 The school has evolved and moved ahead with the times and in recent years the school has again expanded with the addition of a new class room in 2000 and a new sports hall which was opened in 2006. The school has also developed a large new outdoor play area.

The most recent plan, to coincide with the 100 years celebration, is to be the refurbishment of the school library area.

We have moved a long way from the slates which were used to write on, the open fires and outdoor water pump of 1910.

Lynda Aplin
(Head Teacher)
www.chidham.w-sussex.sch.uk
 

10th April

Election 2010

Havant Climate Question Time - an opportunity to question the candidates

Friday 16th April, 7.30 pm at the Spring, East St Havant. All welcome. Any questions on the environment and other matters to Havant's prospective MPs

The Panel:

· David Willetts MP

· Alex Payton-PPC Lib Dems

· Rob Smith-PPC Labour

Are you concerned about:

Climate change, Renewable energy, Green taxes, Fuel poverty, Packaging, GM foods, Peak oil, Fair trade, Wildlife protection, Air quality, Public transport, Recycling, Housing development, Supermarket power and more?

Seats are limited so please call 01243 372887 or email havantfoe@talk21.com to book your place. ADMISSION IS FREE (Sponsored by Havant Friends of the Earth)

Also Portsmouth News is organising a series of meetings with candidates. The first one is in Waterlooville Community Centre at 6.30 pm on Friday 9^th April and then others are organised in Gosport on Monday 19^th April, Fareham on Tuesday 20^th April, Portsmouth south on Wednesday 21^st April, Portsmouth north on Thursday 22^nd April and Havant on Tuesday 27^th April.

Full details available on their website:

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Here39s-your-chance-to-grill.6205102.jp

 Our GenResidents Associationl Election candidates in Havant in 2010 are:

Fungus  ADDAMS	The English Democrats - "Putting England First!"
Alex PAYTON	LibResidents Associationl Democrats
Rob SMITH	The Labour Party
Gary J  KERRIN	UK Independence Party
David L WILLETTS	The Conservative Party

From 1974 to 1992 Havant returned Conservative Sir Ian Lloyd. His popularity peaked in 1987 with a majority of 14,169. He was replaced by David Willets, another Conservative, in 1992.

David Willett's majority fell from 17,584 in 1992 to 3,729 in 1997. However, Willetts improved his majority in 2001 and again in 2005.

6th April

Residents prepare for fight against new homes plan

Thousands of new homes are destined to be built in the Havant borough as a controversial plan for the future of the area is submitted to the government.

Havant Borough Council will hand over the plan that will set in motion how Havant, Leigh Park, Emsworth, Waterlooville and Hayling Island develop over the next two decades.

More than 6,300 new homes have been earmarked for greenfield and brownfield sites in order to meet government housebuilding targets for south Hampshire.

Residents now have six weeks to comment on the document - called the Core Strategy - before it is handed to the government for approval.

Hayling and Emsworth residents have already said they will fight it.

Emsworth has been earmarked for another 752 homes between now and 2026 and Hayling is set to get 597 homes.

Specific sites for the two communities have not been mentioned in the report. But it is possible that up to 50 per cent of the homes could be on greenfield sites.

Paul Fisher, chairman of Hayling Island Residents' Association, said: 'We feel Hayling has already got its fair share.

'Residents feel the island doesn't need the development. We feel further housing strains the infrastructure of Hayling and the road system.

'We feel Hayling is a special case because it's an island and the nature of the bridge and road.'

Lorraine Clode, chairman of Emsworth Residents' Association, said: 'There are strategic gaps between Emsworth and its neighbouring communities which we want to protect.

'Our main concern is sacrificing these. We are realistic. We certainly don't oppose every single one. But it's a big number for a small town like Emsworth.'

Plans also include 1,825 homes in Havant, 1,021 for Leigh Park 1,021, and 1,901 in Waterlooville, which will be the Major Development Area.

The council has identified that many of the homes could be built between 2012 and 2017.

Councillor David Guest, who is in charge of sustainable development in Havant, said: 'We have met the requirement for the allocation and proved we can allocate them. But every s site will be considered on its merits, as any normal planning application.'

Cllr Susan Stocker, Lib Dem leader in Havant, said she wished the number of homes was less.

'I think it's going to be extremely difficult to achieve these numbers,' she added.

Labour Cllr Richard Brown said: 'My biggest concern is what happens when a developer wants to develop a site. 'There's very little the council can do to refuse it

The News 06 April

3rd April

Christians in Westbourne marked Good Friday by walking through the village carrying a cross.

The annual event, organised by St John's Church, Westbourne and Westbourne Baptist Church, saw 45 villagers walk from Monk's Hill to the centre of the village. They stopped at the Baptist church and the village square for readings and prayers before finishing at St John's. After a short service they enjoyed hot cross buns in the parish hall.

The Rev Frank Wright, rector of St John's, said: "The walk on Good Friday through the village is a remembering and re-enactment of the walk Jesus made from the prison to the place of crucifixion. We carry a cross, nothing like the weight and size of that of Jesus, but to

remind us that human life is carried by him for us and that it will lead him to pain and death. Calling at the churches reminds us that life goes on. God gives us that message in the resurrection."

.
 

31st March

Expedition to find the source of the Ems Announced.

A sponsored walk in support of The Wessex Neurological Centre Trust, Southampton.

Money raised is to be donated to the Wessex Neurological Centre Trust through the Trust’s official fund raising body, Smile 4 Rich Appeal (www.smile4rich.co.uk).

Sponsorship forms can be obtained online at: www.riverems.org.uk  or in Emsworth at:

Further information from: David Linington T. 07506887144
E. david@emsworthhants.org.uk
W. www.riverems.org.uk

30 March

Future of Emsworth Sorting Office hangs in the Balance.

It has been reported that the sorting Office in Emsworth is set to close and the work moved to Havant.  This will mean that Emsworth Residents will be inconvenienced by having to travel to Havant to pay any excess postage and to collect their undelivered parcels.  The village may also loose its dedicated, loyal and friendly team of post office men and women.

Having closed our hospital it seems that another group of faceless bureaucrats is about to close our sorting office!

25 March

Havant LitResidents Associationry Festival cut down to one day event

A litResidents Associationry festival which attracts thousands of book lovers has been put on hold.

Big name authors such as Fay Weldon and Stella Duffy have appeared at Havant LitResidents Associationry Festival since it began two years ago and it is the highlight of the Havant arts calendar.

But organisers decided to take a year off while they apply for funding to make 2011's festival bigger and better, replacing it with just a one day event this year.

David Penrose, chairman of Havant LitResidents Associationry Society which organises the festival, said: 'In 2009, amazingly, around 5,500 people took part and in both years our bank account stayed in the black.

'The success of the 2009 festival took an undoubted toll on the dedicated group that made it happen. In less than a year we could not do that again. It is not only our energy levels that could not take it, but our financial standing too.

'We need time to create a more substantial financial footing and to build a more robust infrastructure for planners, volunteers and Society members to rely on.

'We need to be able to find a project manager in the months leading up to the festival to ensure its smooth running. While many litResidents Associationry figures give their time free or for expenses only, we need to be able to pay competitive fees when we have to.'

It cost more than £12,400 to stage last year's festival when 101 events were held over 10 days in September and October in 23 venues.

Funding came from a number of sources including Havant Borough Council, poetry competition entries, a cultural grant, box office sales, donations, society membership and help in kind from organisations such Portsmouth Water and The News.

This year there will be a one day event on October 2 at The Spring arts centre, in Havant, as well as school activities. It is hoped that by the next festival the event will be granted charitable status

The News 24-Mar-10

21 March

Local Resident Challenges Hampshire NHS

Jim Cottis, a concerned Emsworth Resident has written a lengthy open letter to the new CEO of our local Health Authority concerning the recent decisions about the Oak Park hospital and Victoria Cottage Hospital sites. An abridged version will appear in the April edition of The EMS and the full version can be read HERE.   Jim has also sent his letter to Downing Street, all Hampshire MPs, all Hampshire County Councillors and the local press.

You can let Jim know what you think about this situation by emailing him at: busybeadsemsworth@btinternet.com

Source: Jim Cottis
(Emsworth Resident & Residents Association Committee member)

20 March

Residents plead for better transport to hospital

RESIDENTS have stepped up the fight for better transport to and from Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital.

In just two hours, 148 people signed a petition to demand a dedicated bus service between Emsworth and hospital.

It comes as many elderly residents are struggling to get to and from Cosham.

As reported in The News, the hospital encourages Emsworth residents to take the train to Havant and then catch a bus to Cosham.

But David Willetts, Tory MP for Havant, has worked out it takes at least 69 minutes - 20 minutes more than it takes to get to Chichester's St Richard's Hospital, which is further away.

Havant Lib Dems have now started a petition, which was unveiled in St Peter's Square, Emsworth.

The petition will be presented to Mel Kendal, the councillor who heads transport in Hampshire.

Alex Payton, Havant's Lib Dem parliamentary candidate, who helped to collect signatures, said: 'A round trip depending on time of day can take up to three hours for many Emsworth residents.

'There are rail links too but they involve long walks for most people, some rather elderly, at each end.

'We think more direct action is now needed to convince bus opResidents Associationtors that a direct service is necessary and viable.'

The petition comes after Havant's Oak Park Community Hospital was scrapped by NHS Hampshire because of a lack of money.

Meanwhile, Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital, in North Street, is set to be sold off by NHS Hampshire.

Cllr Kendal told The News that current transport provision was more than adequate.

He said: 'We are sympathetic to Emsworth residents' request and have worked closely with bus opResidents Associationtors, the community transport sector, hospital authorities and Portsmouth City Council to try to deliver the best public transport links to the QA hospital.

'Emsworth is served by two principal services that, between them, provide four journeys an hour to Havant bus station.

'From Havant bus station there are six buses an hour from Havant to the hospital. Using service 700, with one change of bus, Emsworth residents can be at the QA hospital in 37 minutes.'

Cllr Kendal said the authorities and community groups provide patient transport, such as 'Call&Go' for the elderly and vulnResidents Associationble.

He added: 'Over £700,000 a year is spent supporting local bus services in the Havant area.’

The News 20-Mar-10

14 March

Food Festival to Return in 2011? Rumour Sweeps Village!

The hot gossip around the village is that the Emsworth Food Festival will return in 2011. 

It has been reported that the controversial chairman of the festival, Ms Lulu Bowerman, who was responsible for the divisive scrapping of the festival in 2008 is now seeking the views of local businesses and residents as to the possibility of reviving the festival in 2011.
 
After the 2007 festival Ms Bowerman announced that the festival would not take place in 2008 but promised that it would return in 2009. By August 2008 she announced that it would be scrapped all together and would never return but be replaced by quarterly “Sunday Markets" in the South Street car park organised by the Business Association which, having been only partially successful, have now been reduced to just two a year.
 
In 2008,ignoring the overwhelming substantive evidence of the festival’s popularity and success, Ms Bowerman insisted that her decision to scrap it  was correct citing complaints from residents and businesses, lack of financial viability and the hard work involved in its organisation and running.  Perhaps she has had a change of heart or is this all just gossip?
 

 
Leave your views online about the return of the Emsworth Food Festival by following the link below:
 

Comments received can be viewed HERE.

11th March

Chichester Harbour Festival of Working Boats

A fantastic festival showcasing a variety of boats that work in Chichester Harbour will take place on Thursday 15 April. Moored up alongside the public jetty at Itchenor will be at least 15 different boats, with their crews waiting to welcome you on board.

Alongside the jetty will be a variety of boats including high-speed RIBs used by the Chichester Harbour Patrol and RNLI lifeboats. The impressive motorboat used by Sussex Sea Fisheries to patrol the Solent will be there along with a charter fishing boat. A luxury motorboat from Opal Marine will be on show and Cobnor Activities Centre will be bringing their boat which has been specially adapted for wheelchair users. The Hampshire Police Marine Unit will be in force on their equipment-packed vessel Sir James Scott. In addition a solar-powered catamaran and a vintage oyster workboat will all be at the show.

Judi Darley, the Festival Organiser said:

‘We have additional new features at this year’s Working Boats. An art exhibition of work inspired by the harbour will be on show. We are also excited to be able to offer tours of Haines Boatyard. This traditional boatyard looks after many of the harbour’s wooden racing boats such as X-boats and Sunbeams.’

Sussex Police will be using the Festival to launch Project Kraken, a new scheme in Sussex to help prevent marine crime. The Police will also be offering a free postcoding service on the day for marine equipment.

All the fun takes place at Itchenor from midday on the 15 April for two hours. Entry is free of charge. Refreshments will be available. For more information see www.conservancy.co.uk or call 01243 512301.

Source: Chichester Harbour Conservancy

9th March

Thornham Marina has been shortlisted for The Chichester Observer business of the year award!

Thornham Marina are delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted for Business of the year award (up to 5 employees) at the Chichester Observer business awards on the 26th March 2010.

'This award recognises sole traders and small companies whose size does not prevent them delivering excellent service and quality products'

Tethe awards ceremony takes place on on the 26th March at the Hilton Avisford park hotel in WalbertonTV personality Fred Dinenage will be hosting the evening and everyone here at Thornham are really looking forward to the night and meeting all the other businesses in the running.

Have a look at this link on the Chichester Observer website to see more information about the awards: Chichester Observer business awards
 

Source: Thornham Marina

6th March

Freeze on Council Tax

Residents are set to receive their Council Tax bills from next week, with a nice surprise from Havant Borough Council. The surprise being in the shape of a 0% increase on the Borough Council Tax for 2010/11.

Following a speech by the Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Tony Briggs at a recent Full Council meeting, Councillors agreed to freeze this year’s increase, reducing Havant’s proportion of council tax from 13.6% to13.4%.

This means that Havant Borough Council will continue to provide over 200 services for just £3.71 per week (based on Band D).

Havant Borough Council Leader, Councillor Briggs said “I believe that continued increase in Council Tax is unsustainable given the present economic state of the country. Havant Borough Council will continue to make savings and efficiencies to help keep Council Tax down for residents.”

At the same time as announcing the freeze Councillor Briggs set out his aspirations for the borough which will continue to focus on the provision of high quality, affordable and accessible public services to customers in the borough.

The County Council, Police and Fire Authorities have now set their rates and therefore Council Tax rates for Havant Borough for the financial year 1 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 are shown by valuation band below with an ovResidents Associationll increase of 1.8%.

Source: Havant Borough Council

4th March

Bogus Charity collection
The leaflet shown here has recently been distributed through doors in Emsworth. Checking them on ‘Google’ soon revealed that they are not a bona-fide registered charity and the charity commissioners have rejected their application.

Residents are advised not to donate to these profitteers and to give your donations to bona-fide collectors or one of the charity shops in Emsworth.

Source:  Emsworth Residents Association

3rd March

Cruising along the Coast is about to get better

From 1st March, brand new, greener buses have been used on the Coastliner 700 route- serving Portsmouth & Southsea to Brighton via Havant, Emsworth Chichester, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton & Worthing.

The new double deck buses are powered by the latest engine system offering low emissions without any loss in performance or fuel economy.

The buses have a new eye-catching design and offer low floor, easy access for those with mobility problems and room for buggies and wheel chairs.

Source: Stagecoacc

26th February

A public consultation over possible uses for a new hospital site has been branded as flawed after health administrators opted for a different plan altogether.

A councillor says the decision makes a mockery of the survey carried out by NHS Hampshire into the future of Havant's £38m Oak Park Hospital.

Survey forms were sent to residents when plans for the hospital hit the rocks last year.

Cash-strapped NHS Hampshire came up with two cheaper options as alternatives - providing a mixture of services at Havant Health Centre and at the nearby Oak Park Children's Centre.
 
NHS Hampshire now wants all services to be provided on one site at the Children's Centre under a £3.2m plan.

Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, said services would be provided on one site after her team worked out an extension could be built on the Children's Centre.

But, she said, this option only came in after the survey forms had been sent out.

She said Havant Citizens' Panel - a consultative group made up of around 1,500 residents - was contacted for views.

But in East Hampshire, which doesn't have a Citizens' Panel, only residents who had signed up to NHS Hampshire for information updates were contacted. Of the 176 people contacted, around a third replied.

Mrs Hebden said: 'I agree it's not as good. There was nothing else we could do in the time we had that was on the same scale as the citizens' panel.'

She added proposals would be outlined in East Hampshire council's May newsletter.

'We are planning to go out and speak to the public in supermarkets,' she added. 'There are more workshops. The engagement is continual.'

A statement from NHS Hampshire added: 'At no time have we withheld information from the Committee and we have endeavoured to be open and transparent throughout. We have been very clear from the outset that it remains our intention to commission a range of locally accessible health services for the population of Havant and the southern parishes of East Hampshire

The News 25-Feb-10

28th January

23rd January
 

£1.2m recycling centre for Havant

A state-of-the-art £1.2m recycling centre is set to be built in Havant.

For years residents have struggled to use the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Harts Farm Way because of poor access.

 

The multi-million pound project will transform the facility with a new dedicated access road, more car parking spaces and more waste container bays.

It will also eliminate the current problem of the recycling centre closing to the public. The county council hopes the new facility will be much more 'customer-friendly'.

Although Havant is the busiest recycling centre out of the 24 in the county, the site has one of the lowest recycling rates because of its outdated facilities.

The county council hopes the new-look centre will help boost the town's recycling rates up to 60 per cent in line with other modernised sites.

Approving the plans, Councillor Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: 'Hampshire has some of the best recycling and waste disposal facilities in Europe and by making it easier for people to recycle their bulky household and garden waste in Havant, we will be able to build on the success Hampshire has already achieved in this field.

'Thanks to the county's impressive recycling rate, together with our three Energy Recovery Facilities, we have been able to divert almost 90 per cent of household waste away from landfill, making Hampshire the top performing county council in this area.'

The News 23-Jan-10

14th January   Warning - Emsworth Mill Pond is not safe for skating!   Havant Borough Council is warning people not to skate on Emsworth Mill Pond or any other pond in the borough.   Although we are seeing the coldest winter for years the water under the surface of Emsworth Mill Pond is a mixture of seawater and fresh water causing the ice to melt before other ponds and lakes.   The fresh water stream that runs into the pond will also be carrying salt washed off the road system too. With the constant movement of water running under the surface of the ice, the ice is thinning all the time and although maybe thick in some areas it is very treacherous in others.   Stuart Pinkey, safety and emergency planning officer at Havant Borough Council said;”Stay off the ice. Skating on any pond that is frozen over could have serious consequences, endangering your own life and those attempting to save you if you fall into the freezing water.”   Scource: Havant Borough Copuncil     12th January   Refuse collection in Emsworth   Havant Borough Council has conducted a further review of refuse collection.  The outcome of this review is that as there is uncertainty that ground conditions will improve significantly enough to allow collections safely, all refuse collections have been suspended for the remainder of this week. Weather permitting collections will  resume on Monday18th January 2010.  However it has also been decided to prioritise domestic refuse and this is the only type of waste we will be collecting next week.  Therefore  residents are asked to present their black domestic waste bins on the boundary of their property on their scheduled collection day regardless of which type of refuse is due to be collected, ie even if you are due a recycling collection next week please put your domestic bin out for collection.    All bagged excess waste presented with your black bin will also be collected.  It is planned that as long as there are no further interruptions to the waste service next week, collections for both recycling and domestic will revert to their scheduled collection day from week commencing Monday 25th January 2010.         11th January   Volunteers help keep carers caring and ambulance wheels turning   British Red Cross volunteers get vital support to vulnResidents Associationble people through the snow drifts   As the thermometers plummet and the snow drifts heighten, British Red Cross volunteers have been visiting vulnResidents Associationble people in their homes and transporting vital key workers to their patients.   In Hampshire. Hampshire County Council social services were assistedto transport discharged patients and clear hospital beds, as well as transporting carers delivering hot meals-on-wheels to vulnResidents Associationble people throughout the weekend . Five volunteer crews were provided for five eight-hour ambulance shifts in support of South Central Ambulance Service , January).       10th January   Snow Continues to disrupt Village Life   Although no further snow has fallen the freezing conditions has resulted in the cancellation of The Film - Julie and Julia due to be shown on Monday 11th January at 7.30pmat the Emsworth Community Association.   SevResidents Associationl local stored have run out of bread and milk due to their deliveries failing to arrive and train services continue to be disrupted disrupted,  Met Office forecasts indicate little change in the coming week.   On the bright side St James Primary school is hoping to reopen tomorrow, Monday.           6th January   Snowmen invade!   After about 4 inches of snow fell overnight snowmen invaded the town centre.  One appeared outside Damars and another outside Treagusts. With very little traffic it was fairly safe to walk in the middle of the road and he car park was unusually empty. Both of Emsworth's primary schools were closed giving the youngsters an opportunity to enjoy the most snow they would have ever seen in Emsworth.   In the meantime Havant BC suspended all frontline services   until further notice. The situation will be continually assessed throughout the day to inform on service availability tomorrow. The customer services centre will taking calls until 1pm today by calling 023 9244 6019 and can be contacted via email at customer. services@havant.gov.uk.   Peter Vince, Environmental Quality Manager said; “It is very unfortunate that conditions have forced us to suspend collections today but we must ensure that the service is opResidents Associationted safely for both the public and our crews. Collections will resume as soon as it is safe. Please put waste and recycling wheeled bins out at the usual time and we will get to you as soon as possible - thank you for your patience.”                   More pictures of Emsworth in the snow can be seen  HERE                     2nd January   Making a Lasting Difference – Together – Emsworth Youth Project, Stage 2 “What are the good and bad things about living in Emsworth?” and “What is your vision for a better Emsworth?” These are the questions asked at the ‘Making a Lasting Difference – Together’ Youth Conference held at the Brookfield Hotel on 11th November. Sixty young people from our two primary schools, Glenwood Special Needs School and from Warblington Comprehensive School spent a morning discussing these questions and the ideas they came up with was amazing.  As one person put it, “The thought and effort the young people put into genResidents Associationting ideas was great and the quality of their contributions is mind-blowing.” A short article cannot do justice to their ideas, but you can view them in full – and add your own comments – on the website www.emsworthresidents.co.uk OvResidents Associationll, the young people showed enjoyment and concern for the environment and appreciation of their schools.  But they would like Emsworth to be a cleaner, safer place with more for them to do and somewhere to meet their friends.  They would also like Emsworth to be a place where “Everyone is looked after and no-one is sad or left on their own” and “Everyone gets on and resolves conflicts”.  It seems they are telling us, as school reports used to say, that our community “must try harder”. Stage 3 of the project is for a group of young people, the E3C Committee, working with adults from local community organisations, schools, children’s and youth services, to develop an action plan. One suggestion in the short term is for young people to create a mural under the bridges which connect Washington Road to the recreation ground in Horndean Road. Another suggestion is to provide seating with shelters at the skate park. This should encourage adults to stay, and through their presence, support younger users who tell us they can feel intimidated. In the longer term, we are looking for premises for a dedicated youth facility in Emsworth. If you might be able to help with this or have ideas for ‘Making a Lasting Difference – Together’, please post your ideas on the website or send an email to me: jean.tier@ntlworld.com Thank you. We are very grateful to the Brookfield Hotel for hosting the Youth Conference, the Emsworth Food Festival for financial support and Guinness Hermitage for management and administrative support of the project.   Jean Tier, Emsworth Community Board         1st January Thumbs up for Emsworth Shops Emsworth residents have given the town’s shops a strong vote of confidence. A unique shopping survey, organised by Emsworth Business Association, says that the town’s traders provide a friendly, convenient service and that most people can find a car parking space in less than 10 minutes. The survey was designed and organised by EBA members, Ray Cobbett and Richard Jannaway .   Forms were distributed via The EMS community newspaper, online and in the shops. Over 300 household representing about 750 local residents, 85% from Emsworth, completed the survey.   The survey reveals some surprises. Over 50% of fresh food is brought in the town.  Walking into town is preferred over driving followed by cycling. Almost 40% park on the street. . “It appears we’re quite a green community” said Mr Cobbett. And a majority of shopper say they want traffic calming measures like a 20 mph limit and more defined crossing places. The 4000 eco bags distributed two years ago by the EBA are still used by more than 60% shoppers.   “If free on-street parking were abolished it would be disaster to the town’s business” said Mr Cobbett.   The main improvements and opportunities are around car parking space and charging, opening times and shops for young people, handicrafts and clothes   Source: Emsworth Business Association               22nd December Recycle your old mobile phone for charity Help the British Red Cross to be there when the call comes… by recycling your mobile phone and raising up to £30 for us   After unwrapping your shiny new mobile phone on Christmas day, you may have condemned last year’s model to the back of a drawer. But your rubbish is more useful than you think. Get rid of your unused mobile phone in a clean, green, environmentally friendly way and raise money for the British Red Cross in Hampshire at the same time. It won’t cost you a thing and the Red Cross will receive up to £30 (for each handset we will receive 50 per cent of the market value). We can then use the money to help vulnResidents Associationble people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. Jess Zubaidi, Red Cross Hampshire fundraiser, explained: “We can get up to £30 for each mobile phone handset, which will help us to continue our work to support vulnResidents Associationble people in crisis in your local community – for example teaching vital first aid skills to school pupils; providing a family with practical and emotional support after a house fire; or supporting international emergencies such as home-based care for people affected by HIV/Aids in South Africa. More at: www.redcross.org.uk/recycle   18th December     18th December   Emsworth Parking Charges set to Increase   Parking charges are set to rise by as much as 50 per cent across the borough in a bid to rake in nearly a quarter of a million pounds for the local council.   Havant Borough Council's cabinet has voted to hike up charges in all 18 of its town centre car parks in Havant, Leigh Park, Waterlooville, Emsworth and Hayling Island. In 16 of those car parks, the charge for up to two hours is set to go up from £1 to £1.50 from next April. The council, which opResidents Associationtes more than 1,000 town centre spaces, hopes the increase will rake in an extra £240,000 for its coffers. Chris Gorton, owner of Sue Foster Fabrics in Emsworth, said: 'I certainly don't support it. All of my customer feedback is that they find it difficult to park locally and to add insult to injury they are planning to increase car park charges.' The council was initially planning to increase the charge by 20p from £1 to £1.20, with an increase to £1.50 in 2011. But the 2011 charges have been brought forward a year early in order to balance the council's books. An hour's stay, however, will only go up 10p from 60p to 70p.   As part of the review, a proposal to introduce on-street charging from 2011 has been scrapped.  The council has also decided not to introduce discounts on annual car parking permits for drivers who own green-friendly cars   TOWN CENTRE INCREASES Up to 1 hour - from 60p to 70p Up to 2 hours - from £1 to £1.50 Up to 4 hours - from £1.70 to £2.20 Over 4 hours - from £4 to £5   Source: The News 16-Dec-09       10th December   Havant Borough Council wins Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice. The awards were presented by star of screen and stage, former Bond-girl and keen environmentalist; Alexandra Bastedo, at an exclusive event at the House of Commons on November 17th, attended by more than 400 guests and VIPs. Alexandra Bastedo, who starred in Casino Royale in 1967 and more recently played Cynthia in EastEnders, presented the award for its work in creating a summer wildflower meadow that attracts wildlife, as well as for planting native trees.       2nd December   Hampshire Farm Consultation The developers of the controversial plan to build a huge new estate near Emsworth (see below) are asking for feedback on their proposals  at: http://linden-consult.co.uk/index.php?contentId=74   30th November Havant Tesco Re-opens Ques formed from early in the morning to get inside a new £20m Tesco store. Hundreds of people flooded through the doors of the store, in Solent Road, Havant, and the shoppers gave it an overwhelming thumbs up. Around 60 customers were already queuing for the doors to open when they were finally unlocked at 8am. Sisters Joan and Elizabeth Warren, from Selangor Avenue, Emsworth, said: 'We have been waiting a long time for this to reopen. 'We made the trip down here especially. It really is marvellous, it's all very exciting. We've been waiting for it to open up again just so we can have a browse round.' Scource: The News   30th November All Washed Out in Emsworth Heavy rain and strong winds spoil the start of the Christmas Season yesterday. Emsworth's Christmas Market and Christmas festivities came to a premature end as strong winds and heavy rain swept through the town on Sunday. The fifth of the Sunday Markets, which were intended to replace the Emsworth Food Festival,  was poorly more poorly attended than hitherto, stall holders started packing up early in the afternoon and there was little sign of the promised entertainment.                   20th November Gordon Brown spotted in Emsworth Prime minister Gordon Brown has been spotted posing for photographs in Emsworth. The guy of the PM was dumped on a bench outside St James Church, with a copy of The Times, some sunglasses, and even an MP expenses list to mull over in his shirt pocket. It also had a note signed 'Gordon', asking to be taken to a bonfire. Observer reader Kingsley Mellanby, who lives in nearby North Street, spotted it on the bench last Wednesday. "All I could see was these two feet sticking out," he said. "I thought it was an old man. "We went out in the morning and he was just sitting there. I thought I would take a couple of photos of it. "I'm surprised he hasn't been vandalised. I don't think my wife would have walked past him on her own. He looked really creepy. "Someone's put a lot of work into it." Judith Dean, who works in the parish office, said it had disappeared by the time a funResidents Associationl was held on Friday . "How it got there and where it came from I don't know," she said 19-Nov-09 Midhurst &Petworth Observer     14th November CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a huge new estate near Emsworth are to be unveiled.   The proposed 280-home estate on greenfield land at Hampshire Farm, between Emsworth and Westbourne, comes as one of the first big tests of the government's plans to build 6,301 homes in the Havant borough. Community leaders fear that if the development gets the go-ahead, it could open the floodgates for more house building on greenfield sites in places such as Hayling Island. Paul Fisher, chairman of Hayling Island Residents' Association, said: 'It's a bit of a test case. The 280 homes in Emsworth, if approved, would make up part of the 630 non-urban homes target for the town.   Pene Salter, of Birch Tree Drive, Emsworth, a member of Emsworth Residents' Association, said: 'Why are we building on greenfield sites? 'It's going to completely devastate Emsworth. Emsworth Councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray added: 'I am distressed about the loss of green belt around Emsworth.   The Hampshire Fam site - outlined in red Linden Home are about to submit an outline planning application to Havant Borough Council, which will decide whether to give the green light. Source: The News     26th October Emsworth Seafood Week Hailed as a Great Success  The sun shone yesterday on Emsworth yesterday as Emsworth’s first ever Seafood Week as the village was packed with visitors to an Emsworth Sunday Market, rather less seafood than expected but every one seemed to be enjoying themselves and the pubs and cafés were packed out. Martin Hughes from Portsmouth, a first time visitor to Emsworth said that he had really enjoyable heritage trail walk and pub visit and that he would definitely making a return visit.  Highlights of the week included: excellent fish meals in local restaurants, mostly sold out; an in formative talk on the Rise and Fall of the Emsworth Oyster Fishery given by John Tweddell who had organised the week; a guide walk around the Heritage trail and a successful Sunday Market. One resident found in The Coal E xchange celebrated Seafood Week by wearing a Japanese sushi T-shirt.Over twenty people took the guided walk visiting sites around the town relating to Emsworth’s maritime history. Mike proudly wears his sushi t-shirt whilst enjoying a pint. John leads the guided Heritage Trail walk along the foreshore   In planning the event John aimed to encourage business in Emsworth and to involve the residents in an appreciation of the town’s maritime past without disrupting the town.  Without doubt these aims were met and week was been a tremendous success.   Visitors and residents are invited to leave their feedback about the event online by following this link: http://www.emsworthseasons.org.uk/Feedback.html   All that remains is the question “Will there be a second Seafood Week?”  We will have to await the answer.         23rd October Seafood Week - Oyster Talk Sell Out Thursday evening saw the Mountford Rooms at the Emsworth Association Centre packed with an audience of over 200 Emsworth residents listening to an illustrated Talk on The Rise and Fall of the Emsworth Oyster Industry delivered by John Twedell, a former Vice Chairman of the Emsworth Food Festival and an enthusiastic promoter of the town. John placed the Oyster Industry which reached its zenith towards the end of the nineteenth century in the context of the town’s history from Roman times to the present day.   The audience learnt that in the nineteenth century the growth of the industry from a small scale local affair to pre-eminence was mainly the result of two men’s endeavors, Jack Kennet and J D Foster. Between them they developed the oyster fishery on an industrial scale as well as the associated industries of ship building, sawmilling, timber and shipping. By 1900 over 400 were employed in the oyster fishery alone and 6 million oysters were being exported, mainly by the railway which had arrived in Emsworth in 1847, each year. It was only in November 1902 that things went badly wrong when, following a municipal banquet in Winchester, at which Emsworth Oysters were served, the Dean of Winchester was taken ill with typhoid and subsequently died one other who having eaten Emsworth oysters there and else where. A Board of Trade Enquiry placed the blame firmly on the oysters which had been contaminated by the town’s recently installed sewage system which discharged raw sewage close to the oyster beds. The Sale of Emsworth oysters was immediately banded and the industry collapsed causing the associated trades to fall into a rapid decline. Although the town recovered the oyster industry did not. During the twentieth century sevResidents Associationl attempts were made to re-establish oyster fishing but two world wars intervened and the economic and environmental conditions worked against these efforts. Until the 1970’s the abandoned hulks of the oyster fishing fleet could be seen on the harbour fore shore until they were removed by the harbour conservancy. Today, only traces of the now badly eroded oyster ponds and pens remain and one or two local fisherman harvest the few remaining oysters between November and February. On Sunday morning John will be leading a guided walk around the Emsworth Heritage Trail which is largely based on Emsworth’s maritime past.       22nd October   England Expects……….. Proudly flying Nelson’s final signal to the fleet before the battle of Trafalgar, yesterday saw the official “launch” of the second Emsworth flower boat.   Restored and donated by Dolphin Quay Boat yard the boat was unveiled by Lulu Bowerman, chairman of the Emsworth Food Festival which had donated £5000 to the project. Launched as a Part of the town’s seafood week the boat will provide a colourful display for those entering Emsworth from the west and compliments a similar boat at the eastern approach to Emsworth. Brendan Gibb-Gray, chairman of the Emsworth Business Association, said: 'It went very well – the boat looks very good. 'The flags were the background to the boat and I'm particularly pleased that it was unveiled on Trafalgar Day.'       20th October     Seafood Week is Underway   Monday saw the start of Emsworth’s first ever Seafood Week.   Organised by John Twedell, an Emsworth Resident, celebrate over one thousand years of maritime commerce in this picturesque Hampshire market town. During the week 19th to 25th October Emsworth cafes, hotels, pubs, restaurants and retail outlets will be offering special discounts, offers and special menus to recognise the town’s association with the fishing history at the centre of Chichester Harbour.   As part of the celebration John will give a talk on the rise and fall of the town's oyster industry on Thursday at 7.30pm in the community centre. Tickets cost £2 each and there are still some available in the Bluebell Inn, in South Street. This can be followed up by joining a guided walk around The Heritage Trail featuring the history of the oyster industry on Sunday morning.     Wednesday will see the unveiling of a partly restored boat called Sea Kitten, which was donated by Dolphin Quay boat yard.  It has been planted with flowers and will be placed at the western approach to Havant Road. A similar boat was installed at the eastern entrance to Emsworth in November 2007. It has been paid for by a £5,000 donation by the Emsworth Food Festival committee which had community funds left over, and will be officially unveiled by former director of the festival, Lulu Bowerman, at midday.   For more information about the special promotions and menus on offer visit www.emsworthseasons.org.uk       20th October   Emsworth Conservation Area Consultation   Havant Borough Council has produced a leaflet (the leaflet may be downloaded HERE) which outlines the main findings from the review of the Emsworth Conservation Area and the Council is seeking on this. Any views expressed as part of this process will be considered when preparing the final draft for Council adoption. The full draft Character Appraisal, Management Plan and Area Map documents can be found on the Council’s website at www.havant.gov.uk and further hard copies can be sent on request.   A consultation evening is also planned to be held on the 29th October 2009 at the Emsworth Community Centre, Church Path, Emsworth between 17:00 and 19:00. Anyone wishing to attend the event should email planning.development@havant.gov.uk  or call (023) 9244 6546.       7th October   Boat planted adjacent to the A259   A second ‘flowering boat’, an old Danish lifeboat, is being installed at the western approach to the town on the A259. The ‘launch’ is scheduled to take place on Trafalgar Day, next Wednesday. The lifeboat comes from a Danish ocean-going ship and was built in the 1930’s and after decommissioning was named Sea Kitten. This project is sponsored by the Emsworth Business Association and Emswortrh Food Festival and compliments the boat at the eastern approached to the town installed in 2007.    Project co-ordinators Carol Haskett (GCS Computer Services) and Dave Wagg (Emsworth Home Hardware) wish to thank Tim Gilmore from Dolphin Quay boatyard for the boat and the makeover, J & D Castle the landscapers who constructed the project and Havant Borough Council for granting the licence.   Source: Emsworth Business Association             16th October Emsworth Seafood Week ready to launch next week   Emsworth's first-ever seafood week gets under way on Monday and the organiser has been encouraged by interest shown in the event. The Emsworth Seafood Week will see restaurants and pubs offer special menus from October 19 to 25 as well as a number of walks and talks celebrating the town's history as a fishing village. The week will finish with a special seafood Sunday market in South Street car park. Organiser John Tweddell said he was encouraged enough by the interest to think about doing it again next year, but would wait until the event had finished to make a firm decision. He said: "We have two main aims, obviously to help our businesses by bringing in more business for the local restaurants and pubs. And for the locally community who are interested in our history and want to find out more. "The Business Association did a survey a couple of years ago and about half of the jobs in Emsworth related to the hospitality industry so for Emsworth visitors coming in, it is pretty important. "Things look really encouraging so far. Most of the restaurants that are doing special menus have sold out." Mr Tweddell will be hosting a special talk on Thursday, October 22 and a walk on Sunday, October 25 about the history of the oyster trade in the town. From 10am-4pm on the Sunday there will be a market in the South Street car park specialising in seafood, with music and entertainment also on the menu. For more information visit www.emsworthseasons.org.uk   Chichester Observer 15-Oct-09     16th October Have your say on plan for homes at Emsworth   Residents are being urged to have their say on plans to build 48 homes on a green space in Emsworth. Developer Banner Homes Wessex Ltd is proposing to build the homes on land at Oak Tree Drive in the north of the town. The site has been identified in Havant Borough Council's local plan as a site for housing. The land, near Hollybank Woods, consists of fields that have traditionally been used as grazing for horses. Two years ago George Wimpey Southern Counties Ltd applied to build 68 homes on the land, but Havant Borough Council refused the application as it said the development was too cramped. Residents are invited to a development consultation forum to hear about the new plans. Emsworth Cllr Brendan Gibb-Gray said local residents should attend the meeting on Tuesday in the council chamber of the civic offices. He said: 'There has been a lot of concern about it. There's been a lot of concern about the impact on traffic and wildlife. It's quite an inaccessible place right at the top of Emsworth.' At the meeting, starting at 6pm, developers will give a presentation and residents will be invited to give feedback. The News 16-Oct-09     16th October Water festival to return to Staunton Dates have been confirmed for the return next year of a huge festival that attracted 16,000 people during the summer. The Hampshire Water Festival will be held at Staunton Country Park, in Havant, on Saturday, July 24, and Sunday, July 25. It comes after Havant staged the festival earlier this year and put on a bumper weekend of fun. This included dozens of water-based activities for families to enjoy. The free festival has now been guaranteed in the town for the next two years after being held in Winchester and Romsey for sevResidents Associationl years. Havant was chosen because it has a history of natural springs and could be the location for a new reservoir under proposals made by Portsmouth Water.   The News 16-Oct-09             9th October   CELEBRATIONS IN EMSWORTH Celebrations took place in recently, when the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Yvonne Weeks officially opened the town’s first stockbroking and financial advisory business. Cllr Weeks was at the office of Edward Jones, based at 24 Queen Street and run by Stockbroker & Financial Adviser Richard Taylor. Speaking at the opening The Deputy Mayor said, “This new business will give Emsworth its first stockbroking service coupled with financial advice. I am sure the Edward Jones ethos of offering an approachable and accessible facility will prove a great asset for the local area, and I wish them every success for the future.” Added Richard Taylor, “I enjoy living and working in the area and am very pleased to be opening my new office where I will be offering services associated with both a stockbroker and financial adviser.” Also joining in the celebrations was vetResidents Associationn Financial Adviser and Stockbroker of Edward Jones, Paul Murray. Mr Murray commented, “It is great to see Richard doing what Edward Jones does best – helping individual long term investors plan for their financial future and retirement. “We find that in current market conditions people really appreciate the opportunity to sit down with their financial adviser and discuss the right course of action to help them achieve their long-term financial goals. That is why as a company we are expanding across the country and being both stockbrokers and financial advisers means we can offer clients a wide range of investment solutions.” Richard Taylor added, “We are pleased to help all individual investors, regardless of their net worth and they are always welcome to call into the office.”       4th October   Shedman visits Emsworth   A mysterious shed appeared in the square on Friday.   AS a part of Havant LitResidents Associationry Festival the Shed was the temporary home of Shedman, John Davies, a real live poet Shedman, conducted impromptu workshops, invited passers-by to tour his shed and accepted on the spot commissions for an ode or a sonnet. Shedman kindly wrote a poem to celebrate the occasion of Harry's birthday, Harry is an Emsworth resident and a retired journalist.   Happy Birthday Harry!   Can you see the headlines? Tell me what they say: Happy Birthday Harry! Twenty three today.   William Deedes made it, Peregrine Worsthorne too, Conrad Black probably won't, So well done you!   Shedman 2009   www.shedman.net             4th October   Councillors' anger as hospital plan's axed COUNCILLORS, residents and a Member of Parliament have spoken of their anger that plans for a new £38million hospital serving Emsworth are set to be scrapped. Community leaders said they were "appalled" that Havant's new hospital – which has been in the pipeline for 30 years – will now not happen. NHS officials asked for the plans to be discontinued at a meeting at the end of September - claiming they can no longer afford the proposed Oak Park hospital's £3million annual running costs. A Havant Residents' Association member said: "They have spent all this money on Queen Alexandra Hospital and we are losing out in Havant. I am appalled." Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray said: "Which other area with a population of 120,000 hasn't got a community hospital? They can't afford it because they have put bureaucracy before beds." Oak Park Community Hospital, at River Way, would have offered services such as diagnostics, endoscopy and a minor-injury unit as well as 25 in-patient beds and 24 elderly mental health beds. Havant MP David Willetts plans to write a strongly-worded letter to NHS Hampshire's chief executive, Richard Popplewell. Mr Willetts, who represents the Island, said: "This is not a list of luxury items – these are services which are taken for granted in most parts of Hampshire and yet are barely obtainable locally east of the A3." The NHS Hampshire Board did not finally discontinue plans for the hospital because health officials must show how the services will be offered if no hospital is built. Inger Hebden, director of capital planning for NHS Hampshire, said services could be provided by redeveloping the nearby Havant Health Centre and Oak Park Children's Centre, which opened in 2006, offering paediatric services. She said: "I was disappointed when I first realised it might not be affordable. We quickly had to think about other options. "Momentum has already started in seeing other ways of doing this. I think we will still be able to provide the quality of service that the people of Havant wanted for their hospital. "The services are more important than the building." Hayling Islander 02 October 2009       2nd October   Primary School Children Visit the Co-op to Collect £7500   Mrs Brightwell took six children to the Co-op in Emsworth (30th Sept 2009) to collect the £7500 that had been raised for the school by the Co-op's Community Card.  She was accompanied by Mrs Simmonds, the chair of the SJA (St James' Association - the school's PTA body.)   The children had all come up with ideas for things that we could develop in the school grounds and were prize winners in the school's competition to genResidents Associationte ideas for improving our outdoors.  They £15,000 was raised which was shared with us and Emsworth Primary School.  The schools are grateful to the SJA, whose idea this was, and to parents, who supported the school by using their Community Service card at the Co-op.   Scource: www.stjamesprimaryemsworth.co.uk       26th September   Food Festival Support For Community Projects Announced   Lulu Bowerman (EFF Chairman) has announced that three projects have been selected to receive financial support from funds raised by the Emsworth Food Festival.   In January applications were invited from individuals or groups within the town and surrounding area to apply for financial support for projects which would provide something special for the town and the residents who live here. A total sum of £25000 was reported to be available.   The projects submitted were diverse and will benefit a variety of groups and ages in Emsworth.   The main recipient is “Bored in Emsworth” which will be run in conjunction with Emsworth Community Board to offer activities and support for teenagers in the local community. The funding is intended to ensure longevity for this scheme, which will work closely with local schools and the youth service. A second project will be to improve the steps down to the foreshore from Kings Street to give increased access to more residents. Additional handrails will be installed as an aid for older residents who are struggling to use the steps in their current condition. Finally, a contribution has been made to the Emsworth Business Association for a new landmark on the western approach to Emsworth on Havant Road.                       26th September Anger as plans for new hospital face the chop   RESIDENTS have spoken of their anger that plans for a new £38m hospital are set to be scrapped. Community leaders said they were 'appalled' that Havant's new hospital – which has been in the pipeline for 30 years – will now not happen. NHS officials asked for the plans to be discontinued at a meeting on Thursday as they can no longer afford the £3m annual running costs of the hospital. Pat Sutton, from Havant Residents' Association, said: 'They have spent all this money on Queen Alexandra Hospital and we are losing out in Havant. I am appalled.' Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray said: 'Which other area with a population of 120,000, as well as parts of east Hampshire, hasn't got a community hospital? They can't afford it because they have put bureaucracy before beds.' Oak Park Community Hospital, at River Way, would have offered services such as diagnostics, endoscopy and a minor-injury unit as well as 25 in-patient beds and 24 elderly mental health beds. Havant MP David Willetts plans to write a strongly-worded letter to NHS Hampshire's chief executive, Richard Popplewell. He said: 'This is not a list of luxury items – these are services which are taken for granted in most parts of Hampshire and yet are barely obtainable locally east of the A3.' The NHS Hampshire Board did not finally discontinue plans for the hospital, because health officials must show how the services will be offered if no hospital is built. Inger Hebden, director of capital planning for NHS Hampshire, said services could be provided by redeveloping the nearby Havant Health Centre and Oak Park Children's Centre, which opened in 2006 and offers paediatric services. She said: 'I was disappointed when I first realised it (the new hospital] might not be affordable. We quickly had to think about other options. 'Momentum has already started in seeing other ways of doing this. I think we will still be able to provide the quality of service that the people of Havant wanted for their hospital. 'The services are more important than the building.'   The News 26 September 2009         20th September   New Conservation Group for Emsworth   A group of Emsworth Residents have formed “The Friends of Emsworth Waysides”. Supported by Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, the group will try to conserve small areas that are, or could, be wayside gems all within the community. One such gem is Bridge Road car park, and our first mini nature reserve. We have already requested Hampshire County Council to establish this as a SINC, (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation).   At the first meeting on September 3rd at The Crown Hotel in Emsworth, chaired by Brendan Gibb-Gray and attended by 9 local residents and Andy Paffett of HBC, the Bridge Road Nature Reserve was set up. Andy Brook proposed the creation of a more broadly based group covering all such roadside reserves, of which Bridge Road Nature Reserve would be the first. Andy's proposal was accepted unanimously. It was decided to call this new 'umbrella group' the 'Friends of Emsworth Waysides', It is hoped that Emsworth could become a truly 'green' town with wild flowers everywhere.   Jane Brook, a founder member of the group, said, “If you know a bank wherein the wild thyme grows? Or more importantly a path or road verge, a pocket of green space, where you would like to see wild flowers and butterflies thrive once more? Let the group know by contacting Brendan Gibb-Gray on 377355, Jane Brook on 389131 or Brian Fellows (Chairman) on 375548. The group will then organise one of the team to come out and look at the area. This community project and we need your help. Keep a watch on Emsworth's notice boards too for details on how to join the group, as a supporter or if you want to be actively involved.”   The group will have a website:  www.emsworthwaysides.hampshire.org.uk (not in opResidents Associationtion yet).   Source: www.emsworthwildlife.com     14th September   Petition handed in as pressure increases to save hospital scheme   Health officials have been handed a petition of more than 2,000 signatures demanding a community hospital is built in Havant. Residents and politicians are battling to save plans for the £38m Oak Park Hospital from the scrapheap. It comes after NHS Hampshire announced the development is on hold because of the credit crunch. Both Conservatives and Lib Dems have joined  forces to collect the signatures, which they passed to health bosses this week. Havant council leader Tony Briggs said: 'Although no decision over the future of the Oak Park project has been made by the PCT, Havant Borough Council is keen to ensure minor surgical and diagnostic procedures that are planned to be undertaken at the Oak Park Hospital development are provided in Havant for the local community.' The petition was handed over at a presentation NHS Hampshire made to Havant councillors. Health chiefs explained a major review into all capital projects has been launched, and the future of the hospital is uncertain. Bedhampton Councillor Ann Buckley, said: 'There was a real sense of disappointment at the presentation from all councillors. That is how the public feel too. 'The LibResidents Associationl Democrats had more than 1,000 names on the petition we set up and I know the Conservatives had a similar amount because, between us, we covered the whole of Havant and parts of East Hampshire that will be affected.' A series of workshops were held last week to get ideas from the public about alternatives to the new hospital. The results will be collated and could be put before the NHS Hampshire board meeting at the end of the month. Inger Hebden, director of capital planning for NHS Hampshire, said she had a responsibility to review the affordability of all projects. She added: 'As part of the review process we have held two events with local key representatives to look at the services the site would offer and consider if these could be provided in any other way. 'The ideas and views of those who came to the events, and the petitions we have received in favour of keeping the proposed plans will be considered by the NHS Hampshire Board.'   The News 12 September 2009     12th September   Police still seek Attacker   A man was knocked unconscious and fleeced of £420 in a violent attack near a town centre last FridaySunday. 5th September. The 37-year-old man was walking through the subway that runs under Havant Road in Emsworth  was then knocked unconscious by a person who was walking by. When he woke up, he had had £420 cash and his Sony Ericsson mobile phone stolen from him.   Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack, which happened between midday and 2pm on Friday. Detective Constable Deborah Alexander said: 'The victim cannot recall how long he was unconscious for and cannot provide a description of the suspect, so we are hoping that somebody on Havant Road or using the subway at this time remembers seeing the incident take place.' Anyone with information should contact Waterlooville CID on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111       6th September Bungalow fire in Mill Lane, Emsworth Police have located the owners of a Hampshire bungalow which was destroyed by fire overnight. Fifty firefighters were called to The Barn in Mill Lane, Bedhampton, Havant, at about 0330 BST and found flames going up into the trees. The owners were away, but were later traced by police. There had been concern they were inside. Police said the cause was "doubtful" and the incident was being treated as a crime scene. The detached bungalow and sevResidents Associationl outbuildings were razed to the ground. A Hampshire police spokesman said: "Fire investigators from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are working closely with police scenes of crime officers to establish the cause which is thought to be doubtful. "Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything or anyone suspicious in the area prior to the fire to contact them."   BBC South 06-Sept-09     4th September NHS accused of abandoning plans for new hospital NHS bosses have been accused of making up their minds to abandon plans for a new hospital in Havant. The proposed £38m Oak Park Community Hospital is on hold due to the recession. But Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray feared a decision had already been made on the hospital's future. He spoke out at a meeting yesterday in which residents were asked to come up with alternative ideas for services planned for the new hospital at other NHS premises in Havant and East Hampshire. 'I think there is a lot of anger about this in the borough and I think people will be a bit more relaxed if you were really up front and truthful about what's going on,' he told NHS Hampshire chiefs. 'Those that have made enquiries know that Oak Park is on hold, those that were going to be building it and architects have been told it's on hold. 'I think you're doing a great disservice to many people who have followed this caravan around for years and years. 'You have got to come clean and say Oak Park is not going to happen in the near future and we would like to know what we're looking at, is it two, five or 10 years? 'People are angry that we have lost services at Emsworth Cottage Hospital on the promise that there would be a new community hospital in Havant. 'That is all we want.' Cllr Gibb-Gray also said the workshops – with yesterday's meeting held at the Waterlooville Community Centre – were 'a total sham'. Jack Climpson, non executive director on the board of NHS Hampshire, denied that it was a done deal. He said: 'That is not the way we do things in the health service. 'We have got some difficult decisions to make because the budget is substantially reducing and because of that we have to look across all the areas of major expenditure and see if there are any other options. The News 04 September 2009       3rd September   Emsworth annual show one of the best ever   Barbecue bank holiday weather sent thousands of people flocking to the annual Emsworth Show, which has been hailed as one of the best ever. The event, held at Jubilee Recreation Ground, was organised by the Emsworth Horticultural Society which is this year celebrating its 90th anniversary. The show on bank holiday Monday was so popular organisers had trouble finding room for all the exhibits in the main marquee. This year the competition attracted more than 1,000 entries, with numerous specimens of perfect fruit and vegetables including a very large pumpkin. The best in show was awarded to Isle of Wight resident Paul Rogers for his selection of three onions. Around 6,000 people attended the show and to mark the horticultural society's 90th birthday, there was another marquee which housed a cookery demonstration, a talk about beekeeping and a flower arranging demonstration. Also popular was a display of Victorian gardening tools. The family-friendly event had plenty of entertainment for children including a bouncy castle, magic shows, pony rides and a miniature railway. A fun dog show and BMX displays kept people of all ages entertained. Staff from the falconry display by GMR Falconry had a slight panic in the afternoon when one of its birds decided to fly off and explore the area. The falcon was missing for some time, but found safe and sound in someone's garden. Horticultural society member Dennis Doye said organisers had been very pleased with the show. "The weather was wonderful which always helps and we had more entries in the show than before. The children's exhibits were very popular and we have had some very favourable comments." Money raised from the show will go to charities and other worthy causes in the area.   Chicester Observer 03 September 2009             2nd September     Oak Park hospital future: Fears grow   HAVANT MP David Willetts has warned plans for a new £38million hospital in the town may already be dead. The Tory believes the state-of-the-art hospital has become the latest victim of public spending cuts in the wake of the recession. He said residents might have to make do with a 'patch-up job' of modernising existing health facilities, including Havant War Memorial Hospital, Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital and Havant Health Centre. His comments come as cash-strapped NHS Hampshire has announced a financial review of the project, which was set to go ahead this summer after getting planning consent earlier this year. Mr Willetts said: "I think we have a less than 50 per cent chance of getting a community hospital. "It means the public expenditure crisis is hitting Havant harder and harder. "We have had two flagship projects, improving the college campus and the new community hospital, and they have both hit the buffers in the last 12 months." Havant War Memorial Hospital and Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital were due to close with the building of the new hospital, but Mr Willetts said they could be revamped to offer more facilities. It would have meant around 25,000 patients – including those from Hayling Island - being treated closer to home rather than having to make the journey to either St Mary's Hospital, Milton, or the £50million superhospital at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, which was completed in July. QA hospital bosses have already complained they are being over-run by large numbers of non-urgent patients flocking to Cosham. Mr Willetts said Havant Health Centre, in Civic Centre Road, one of the largest GP surgeries in the country, could be redesigned to accommodate more facilities. But he added: "It is a patch-up job. This is something we have wanted to see for years. It's very frustrating it's now looking unlikely." NHS Hampshire says another round of public consultation will look at what residents think of cheaper options to deliver the same services, including outpatient treatment and a mental health ward for older people. But Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, stressed no decisions had been taken. She added: "I doubt we will have a firm decision by the end of September simply because we need to do more consultation. "We will have a number of options which we think are feasible."   Hayling Islander 01-Sept-09         30thAugust   The Emsworth Business Association conduct an online Emsworth Shopping Survey   The EBA represents more than 100 small business and service providers in Emsworth and district. We are 11 years old this year and continue to promote the town as an excellent place to live, work and play, The results of this survey will assist us in planning ahead and ensure that Emsworth town centre remains a special place.   Complete the Emsworth Shopping Survey now by clicking on the button below to give your views on Shopping in Emsworth and how it may be improved:         28th August Emsworth Seasons Magazine to be Launched at the Emsworth Show on Bank Holiday Monday Remember the Emsworth Cookbook? The magazine edition "Emsworth Seasons" is due to be launched at The Emsworth Show on Bank Holiday Monday. Written by John Tweddell and sponsored by The Emsworth Business Association, Borland and Bound and Emsworth Home Hardware, the 64 page magazine features: An eight page special on Emsworth's food history The best places to eat and drink in town Brand new recipes from Emsworth The official Seafood Week programme - October 19th -25th Plus, much more and loads of original high quality photos all for just £2.00 Available from August Bank holiday Monday at the Emsworth Show and thereafter in Emsworth's Pubs Restaurants, and Shops. More at : www.emsworthseasons.org   27th August Emsworth Conservation area Draft Character Appraisal   HBC Development management committee have agreed to endorse the draft Character Appraisal and Management Plan for the Emsworth Conservation Area which sets out the special interest of the area and the draft management proposals for community consultation.   Apart from a small modification to the boundary of the conservation area in Bath Road there are few changes since the last review between 1992 and 1994. The full report can be downloaded HERE. Arrangements for the public consultation will be announced shortly. Source - Havant Borough Council 14th August Campaigners' fury as community hospital is shelved The public have thrown their weight behind a campaign to save a community hospital it is feared may never see the light of day. Work was due to start on £38m Oak Park Hospital, in Havant, this summer but the recession has forced health bosses to review all major projects. It would have meant around 25,000 patients being treated closer to home rather than having to make the journey to Portsmouth to either St Mary's Hospital, Milton, or Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital, Cosham. So far 800 angry residents have signed a petition set up by Havant Conservative Association in a bid to persuade bosses at NHS Hampshire to give the community the hospital it was promised. Leigh Park councillor Mike Fairhurst organised the campaign. He said: 'People are very upset about the situation. 'There is real anger that we have lost many services from Emsworth Cottage Hospital because this was in the pipeline. 'And St Mary's and QA are very difficult for elderly or infirm patients to get to. 'People recognise that QA will provide a very good service for the seriously ill, but they want a local service for less critical treatment. 'We are not going to give up on this – we were promised a hospital and that is what we should get.' It was hoped that 30 per cent of outpatients visiting QA would have been able to go to Oak Park instead. But it will be a long process of more consultation before a decision on the hospital's future is made. Ann Crocker, of Priorsdean Crescent, Leigh Park, said: 'We need as much healthcare as we can get in Havant. I've had major problems myself trying to get to the Portsmouth hospitals and I've even been given an appointment at Haslar before, which I could not get to from here. 'For elderly people and mums with young children it is vital we get a hospital in Havant.' Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, said the petition would be taken into considResidents Associationtion. 'We actually have workshops where key stakeholders including councillors and the local community will look at all kinds of options,' he said. Petitions are being sent out across Havant. To help with the campaign email info@havantconservatives. com or phone (023) 9247 5066. The News 14 August 2009 7th August Big thanks to the community A memorial garden would not have been possible without the support of the community, a councillor said today. Emsworth Memorial Garden is now there for residents to use and remembers all the men and women who gave their lives in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts. The garden features a plaque and a memorial statue called Absence. The garden was uADVERTISEMENTnveiled last month. Councillor Virginia Wilson-Smith, chairman of The Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden, said: 'We are delighted with the way the garden has evolved since its opening. 'I would like to thank the organisations, businesses of Emsworth and individuals, who have given us their support both financially and in spirit. The people of Emsworth can feel that this is their memorial garden as, without their support, we could not have done this.' Sarah Sanderson, garden designer and manager from the Horticultural Society, added: 'Havant Borough Council has provided us with the space to create a tranquil and beautiful haven for people to enjoy and reflect in. I'm thrilled to have been a part of this community project that with the support and hard work from many people will give pleasure to its community for years to come.' The News 06-Aug-09 6th August New hospital may never be built, says MP Havant MP David Willetts has warned plans for a new £38m hospital in the town may already be dead. The Tory believes the state-of-the-art hospital has become the latest victim of public spending cuts in the wake of the recession. He said residents might have to make do with a 'patch-up job' of modernising existing health facilities, including Havant War Memorial Hospital, Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital and Havant Health Centre. His comments come as cash-strapped NHS Hampshire has announced a financial review of the project, which was set to go ahead this summer after getting planning consent earlier this year. Mr Willetts said: 'I think we have a less than 50 per cent chance of getting a community hospital. It means the public expenditure crisis is hitting Havant harder and harder. We have had two flagship projects, improving the college campus and the new community hospital, and they have both hit the buffers in the last 12 months.' Havant War Memorial Hospital and Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital were due to close with the building of the new hospital, but Mr Willetts said they could be revamped to offer more facilities. He said Havant Health Centre, in Civic Centre Road, one of the largest GP surgeries in the country, could be redesigned to accommodate more facilities. But he added: 'It is a patch-up job. This is something we have wanted to see for years. It's very frustrating it's now looking unlikely.' NHS Hampshire says another round of public consultation will look at what residents think of cheaper options to deliver the same services, including outpatient treatment and a mental health ward for older people. But Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, stressed no decisions had been taken. She added: 'I doubt we will have a firm decision by the end of September simply because we need to do more consultation. 'We will have a number of options which we think are feasible.'   The News 06-Aug-09 2nd August Emsworth Summer Market Basks in Sunshine. Once again the sun shone on Emsworth enabling residents and visitors alike to enjoy the third Emsworth Sunday Market.  With over fifty fine food and quality craft stalls the day was a great success with many visitors taking advantage of the freshly cooked food stalls and nearby pubs and cafés .   www.emsworthfestivalmarkets.co.uk 28th July Trader is sold to a UK conglomResidents Associationte The Tarquin Boat Company, the firm behind the Trader range of motoryachts, has been sold for £440,000. A UK conglomResidents Associationte of investors calling themselves the Trader Boat Company Ltd bought the business, with the deal concluded late on Friday 24 July. Tarquin appointed administrators Portland Business and Financial Solutions to find a buyer for the company in June. It is not known who is behind the acquisition. "The conglomResidents Associationte was set up as a vehicle to acquire the business," explained a spokesman for Portland. "There are a number of investors behind it. "There was a bidding process and various parties expressed an interest. Theirs was the highest offer on the table. "They took on the business as of Friday evening. It was quite a drawn out process. We hoped to conclude in the early part of July, but the size of the funds involved and the fact that they were coming from different parts of the UK meant it was a challenge to coordinate for them." One of the first things the new owners will look at is the ongoing build of Trader's new models, as well as ensuring customer builds in process are continued. Trader's yachts are built in Taiwan and China by separate and independent firms who have continued to make boats for other brands. The Chappell family are expected to make a statement in the coming days. Tony Chappell started the Trader marque 30 years ago and has sold boats worldwide from his base in Emsworth, Hampshire.   Scource: Boating Business     24th July 1-31 August  Special exhibition in Emsworth Museum “CATHOLICS IN EMSWORTH 1959 to 2009”   Fifty years of Catholics in Emsworth are celebrated in this exhibition set up by Father Tom Grufferty Items currently in use in the Ss Thomas Church and some artefacts rarely seen nowadays will all be on display.For the first Sunday of the exhibition, August 2nd. The Museum will be specially opened from 10.30 am to 4.30pm   11th July Team out to smash speed record A STEAM car team hoping to smash a land speed record begin their attempt in America today. The British Steam Car Challenge crew are starting test runs on salt flats at Edwards Air Force Base, California, following inspections by the Southern Timing Association, the recognised body for land speed records. The 360hp car, which weighs three tons, did sevResidents Associationl practice runs at Thorney Island MoD base near Emsworth in April and May 2008. The team behind the car are based in Lymington, near the New Forest. Test driver Don Wales, nephew of late speed ace Donald Campbell and grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell, was due to arrive at the base today to begin test runs. The record the team aims to beat stands at 145.607 mph set by American Bob Barber in 1985. The News 11 July 2009 9th July Fareham medics hope to raise thousands with Emsworth gig A group of dedicated medical staff are turning their talents to music to help raise funds for two of their colleagues. Nicky Newman and Clare Mounce are both mental health nurses at Ravenswood House, Fareham. They are taking on a challenge of cycling 300km through the Jordan valley to raise funds for research to improve the health of women. Now Miss Newman and Miss Mounce are hoping to raise £5,000 with donations from a gig at The Kings Arms in Emsworth tomorrow at 7.30pm. The band are made up of staff who also work at Ravenswood, Heath Gunn, Dougie Da Santos, Chris Harries, Paul Gallagher and Tim Dixon, a social worker. Mr Gunn, a manager for Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is the lead singer. He said: 'We are proud of Nicky and Clare and what they are trying to do. 'We all work closely together and I know that they have been working really hard to train and raise money, we are just doing what we can to help. 'We tend to sing rock covers from the last 30 years, the gig is free but we hope to raise money through the raffle. 'We recently played in Havant and managed to raise £400.' The News 09 July 2009 1st July Celebration of 90 summers in Emsworth A special exhibition is being held to commemorate 90 years of a horticultural society. The month-long show is behind held at Emsworth Museum from July 4. The exhibition on the RHS award-winning Emsworth Horticultural Society will document the significant part it has played in local life, from providing space for vegetable growing, to organising the annual show on August bank holiday. There will be photos and artefacts on display. It is open Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm.   The News 01 July 2009 26th June Hospital plans put in doubt by cash crisis Plans for a new £38m hospital are under threat because the NHS fears there may not be enough money to pay for it. Work was originally due to start on the state-of-the-art community hospital in Havant this summer after a decade in the pipeline. But the recession has forced NHS Hampshire bosses to review every major project across the county. Throughout June all work on NHS projects has stopped. And a crunch board meeting in July will look at the affordability of all its schemes –- including Oak Park Hospital. Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, said a reduction in future government funding meant they may not have enough money to pay off the loan needed for the hospital.  'We are taking stock of all our finances during June and will not be making any decisions until we can make sure we can afford it. 'I'm still hopeful (the hospital can be built) but not as confident as before. We need to concentrate on making sure that we provide all the services that Havant patients need even if we can't do everything we wanted to do.' The hospital, which was given the go-ahead by Havant Borough Council in February, is aimed at taking the strain off the new Queen Alexandra 'superhospital' in Cosham by treating 25,000 out-patients every year. Havant War Memorial Hospital was due to close when Oak Park was built but Mrs Hebden said it would remain open – along with 23 in-patient beds – for the foreseeable future. Havant MP David Willetts said: 'I am very worried that this community hospital has been promised to us for years. 'It's an important part of the healthcare in our area. They are reviewing their finances and it's not yet dead. 'But the government has run out of money – they have completely messed up the education and health budget and we in Havant are the victims. 'I don't think this is the death knell, but there is a real question mark over it now.' Chris Curry, an Emsworth resident who fought against the closure of Emsworth Cottage Hospital in 2007, said: 'We would be very disappointed if the hospital wasn't built because we had a long term vision. The News 26 June 2009   22nd June Calling All Gardening Guru’s Last year Havant Borough Council scooped Silver Gilt in the large town/small city category in South and South East in Bloom competition. This year HBC are going for gold! Judging will take place on the Friday 10th July. HBC are calling all gardeners on the judges’ route in Emsworth, Leigh Park, Warren Park, Warblington and Hayling Island, to display a poster in the window of their homes, businesses and schools if they wish to take part and support the South and South East in Bloom (SSEIB) competition. Councillor David Collins, portfolio holder for environment and open spaces said:” We are very proud of our borough and our parks and open spaces are areas of natural beauty. “We know that many residents and businesses share in our pride with beautiful floral displays in window boxes hanging baskets and allotments. We embrace their continued support and would encourage people to take part in this event and go for gold!”  The competition ‘ SSEIB’ is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and is our regional competition. The council enters the borough to compete against other local authorities, looking at the quality of our parks, landscape and green environment. The aim is to improve and regenResidents Associationte our local environment through the imaginative use of plants, shrubs, flowers and trees. Conservation and recycling projects together with clearing our streets of litter, graffiti and vandalism also play a major part. Havant borough is very fortunate to have an abundance of green open space, parks and many areas of natural beauty to take pride in and care for. And residents of the borough are invited to share in that pride. Emsworth Memorial Garden also won the Community Action Award in last year’s competition as well. Source: Havant Borough Council   19th June Sunshine, Seals & the Solar Heritage With sunshine forecast for this weekend, why not make the most of it and come along on our Solar Heritage trip on Sunday morning (21 June). The commentary will be about Harbour Nature so you will be able to learn more about the Solent Seal project, find out about the thousands of birds that rely on Chichester Harbour and much more. The boat trip departs from Itchenor at 11am for 1.5 hours. Please book in advance on 01243 513275. Adults £7, children up to 16 years £3.50.           19th June Controversial plans of shellfish trader approved! A controversial plan to start up a new fishmonger stall in Emsworth  given the go ahead by Havant Borough Council at its Licensing Committee on Wednesday. Businessman Jimmy Cairns applied for a licence to sell cooked shellfish and freshly caught fish from an old-fashioned cart on the promenade He was given permission on the basis he would only sell shellfish and not fresh fish. The hand cart will be located to the north of the footbridge on the Emsworth promenade. The committee granted consentsubject to the following conditions: (a) the trader being permitted to sell local caught fish and cooked shellfish only; (b) trading to be permitted within the location marked ‘X’ on the attached plan (; (c) trading to be permitted between the hours of 10am to 5pm, Monday through to Sunday; and (d) the trader complies with the following environmental health legislation The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 Regulation (EC) 852/2004 Regulation (EC) 853/2004 Regulation (EC) 178/2002 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 And any subsequent amendments to the above legislation (e) any such conditions as the Council solicitor may consider appropriate Fears have been raised it could harm trade for the town's only other fishmonger. ( see previous report) Source: Havant Borough Council 18th June MPs’ expenses have been published today on the internet Details of claims made by the Havant MP, David Willetts including the infamous lightbulb claim made in 2005, are now available online. Like all MPs, Mr Willetts was allowed to go through the forms to black out certain details. More on the House of Commons website: www.parliament.uk 17th June The Emsworth Show 2009 Preparations are well underway for this year’s Show which takes place on August 31st (Bank Holiday Monday) on the Jubilee Recreation Ground on the Horndean Road, Emsworth. The Society was formed (initially for allotment holders) in 1919 so this is our 90th year and we have plans to celebrate this, some of which take place at the 2009 Show. A second marquee will be used to give demonstrations of flower arrangements, food preparation and beekeeping. Some of our judges will be holding a gardening clinic here, so bring your gardening problems to the experts and don’t forget your samples if you can bring them, for help in identifying your problem. Another of our judges will be stationed inside the marquee to explain why entries have or have not done well. Yet another (small) tent will contain a time line of the Society and a display of the gardening tools which would have been used in some of the various decades since 1919. Entrance to the Show remains at £2 per head (under 12s free) plus £2 per car if you wish to park in the Show Ground Car Park. SCHEDULES These are now available at the EHS Distribution Hut at the Washington Road allotment site on Sunday mornings (10am till noon) and from local Libraries and from the Tourist Information Centre at Beachlands on Hayling Island. Please note last year’s entrants will have their schedule delivered, by hand or post. Anyone who entered last year and does not receive a schedule by the end of June, should contact us and we will put that right. This year, as an experiment, we have printed an extract from the main schedule for the children and young person’s classes. These will be held by local schools who will give them to their pupils on request. If anyone else would like one, please contact us. To contact us, please see the contacts page. Classes at the Show include flower arrangements, handicrafts, cookery and photography as well as the horticultural classes of vegetables, fruit and flowers. Something for everyone, so why not have a go! ENTERTAINMENT AT THE SHOW This year we are pleased to be able to confirm the return of Jez Avery who was so much enjoyed a few years ago. Also we have retained the services of children’s entertainer Andy Cadabra, visiting the Emsworth Show for the first time. There will also be a full programme including Falconry, Dog training and the T.S.Unity Band. After receiving requests from the public, we hope to post the full time tables for both arenas by about mid August on www.emsworthhorticultralsociety.org.uk . 13th June Havant Borough Local Development Framework Core Strategy andResidential Car Parking and Cycle Provision Supplementary Planning Document Consultation Havant Borough Council is formally consulting on the Core Strategy - Draft (Regulation 25) and the Residential Car Parking Supplementary Planning Document (Regulation 17). The consultation period is from the 12th June 2009 until the 24th July 2009. The Core Strategy is part of the Local Development Framework and sets out the ovResidents Associationll development distribution strategy for the future of the borough over the next 20 years together with polices for determining planning applications and identifies nine strategic development sites. At the same time there is consultation on the Residential Car Parking and Cycle Provision Supplementary Planning Document (Regulation 17). This sets out the proposed residential car and cycle parking standards for the borough. The Core Strategy and the Residential Car Parking Supplementary Planning Document are available at the following locations; Havant Borough Council Civic Offices (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm); Havant library (Monday, Tuesday 9.00am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 9.00am to 1.00pm, Thursday 9.30am to 6pm, Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm); Hayling Island The Bridge Centre, Manor Road (Tuesday to Thursday 9.30 to 12.00); Visitor Information Centre, Beachlands (every day 9.30 to 5.30), Post Office, 5 Elm Grove, Mengham (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 12.30pm); Emsworth library (Monday 9.30am to 1pm, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, Wednesday Closed, Friday 9.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 7pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm, Sunday closed); Leigh Park library (Monday, Tuesday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday Closed, Thursday, Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9.30am to 4pm Sunday closed); Waterlooville library (Monday, Tuesday, Saturday 9.30am to 5pm, Wednesday 9.30am to 1pm, Thursday 9.30am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 7pm, Sunday closed). Consultations on the web: www.havant.gov.uk/havant-9117 Public exhibitions of the proposals will be held at the Pastoral Centre, High Street, Emsworth on 16th June; at Mengham Road in Mengham on 18th June; at London Road pedestrian precinct, Waterlooville on 20th June and 10th July; in the Meridian Centre, Havant on 27th June; at Park Parade, Leigh Park on 9th July and at Havant market, West Street on 14th July. All these exhibitions will be staffed between 10am and 2pm. An evening exhibition will be staffed at the Civic Offices on 18th June (4.30pm to 7.30pm). Any queries about the Local Development Framework, please contact us. Planning Policy and Urban Design, Havant Borough Council, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hants, PO9 2AX. Tel: 023 92 446539 Source Havant Borough Council 12th June Opposition to shellfish plan AN entrepreneur may be thwarted in his attempt to set up a traditional fish stall in Emsworth. Businessman Jimmy Cairns has applied for a licence to sell shellfish from an old-fashioned cart on the picturesque promenade. But he has come under fierce opposition – as it could jeopardise one of the town's most prominent family businesses. M R Starr, Butchers in High Street, which also sells fresh fish, said it may have to lay off staff if Mr Cairns is given the go-ahead. Michael Starr has owned the shop for 19 years and says he is already struggling. 'I have to pay wages and rates for 12 months a year while he will pay a tenth of that and soak up all the summer trade,' the 64-year-old said. 'There is no doubt that I will have to let the girl who works on the fish counter go because I can't compete with that. 'And that means Emsworth will be left with no fishmonger in the winter. 'I don't want to make someone unemployed but I'll have no choice. 'If he was opening up a shop I would accept that because we'd be on a level playing field but he isn't.' Two of the three Emsworth ward councillors support the plans and a petition put before Havant Borough Council has 324 signatures in support of Mr Cairns. But Brendan Gibb-Gray, Emsworth councillor and chairman of the Emsworth Business Association, is opposing the application. He said: 'Whilst I'm an advocate of competition, I like competition to be fair. 'It does sound like a good idea and if we didn't have a fish shop already I would agree, but we have. 'Do we just want someone who is active for a few months or do we want someone who sells a wide range throughout the year? 'I've spoken to a lot of people who think it is a really good idea but fish is a precarious thing to sell and it could mean someone at Starr's loses their job.' Havant's licensing committee will meet next Wednesday to discuss the issue. Mr Cairns was not available for comment. The News 12 June 11th June Trader appoints administrator The Tarquin Boat Company, which manufactures and sells the Trader range of motoryachts employing 18 people at its Emsworth boatyard, has been taken into administration. Trader MD Tony Chappell commented about his firm being taken into administration. He said: "Like many in the yachting industry, the banking crisis of autumn 2008 caused a reduction in new boat orders, which has led to the current situation. "However, along with the first indicators of economic recovery, interest in new boat orders has increased in the second quarter of 2009. "Obviously I feel disappointed that a business that has been so successful for more than thirty years is now in a position where it must be restructured in order to move forward. "But I remain optimistic for the future of Trader, as it is one of the most innovative and popular UK cruising yacht brands." He promised it was far from the end of the Trader marque: "I would like to thank the customers and staff who have supported Trader over the years, making it one of the UK's top cruising yacht brands. Carl Faulds and James Tickell of Portland Business and Financial Solutions were appointed administrators on Tuesday 9 June. They are inviting potential buyers for the business to come forward, and say already some Trader owners have expressed an interest in investing in the company's future. A spokesman for Portland Business and Financial Solutions told MBY: "Our role very much is trying to deal with existing boats which are in production and looking for buyers. "We have only been involved for 24 hours but it is a sign of the times. People are not spending the kind of money on luxury goods that businesses like this need them to. "They have got current orders and we're working through them but in terms of the future they have suffered a drop-off. "We're still trying to work through where each sale is at. Customers are being contacted as we do so." However he asked any Trader customers or potential buyers to get in touch with Portland. The firm does not have any stock boats to sell off. Family-run firm Tarquin are the highest profile UK marine industry victim of the recession so far. CEO Tony Chappell has been a key figure in the UK marine business for the past 30 years, selling boats to customers worldwide from his Emsworth base. The news will send shockwaves throughout the industry and perhaps persuade other builders to tighten their belts yet further until the economy shows signs of improving. Trader unveiled plans for their innovative 38 Sprint in November last year to wide acclaim, selling the first boat off-plan. Earlier this year the firm unveiled their impressive Trader 75, a new flagship and a move into the lucrative big boat market. The launch was timed to coincide with the marque's 30th anniversary. Source: Motor Boat and Yachting 11th June 100 per cent start as Emsworth lose derby HAYLING Island Cricket Club started the season in blistering form with both the senior teams winning their first two games with ease. Unusually the first game for both teams was against local rivals Emsworth. The games were characterised by excellent team performances with a few notable mentions, young "Swanny" scored 49 and "Gorvy" picked up 3-11 for the Seconds. In the firsts, it was mainly a top quality performance by all the bowlers which won the day as they shared the spoils. Both the Seconds matches were equally enthralling with the Firsts again thumping Gosport II thanks to some fine batting from J Jones (46) and M Mcdowell hitting 42. There were also excellent all-round bowling performances from A Shayegan and R Poole, who bagged three wickets each. The Seconds beat Locks Heath III with Gary Martin scoring a top drawer 72, assisted ably by a young at heart Rob Cordell 47. Hayling Islander 11 June 2009 10th June Exhibition for Emsworth school centenary The history of a school which is now 100 years old is being told in an exhibition. Emsworth Museum has reminiscences, artefacts and photos from former pupils taught at the Washington Road Primary School. It opened as a council-run junior school in 1909 and is now the home of Glenwood School for children with learning disabilities. Some of Emsworth's oldest families were taught there and have contributed to the exhibition. There are also recordings of pupils from more than 80 years ago. The museum is open Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm and Sundays 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The exhibition runs throughout June. For more information go to www.emsworthmuseum.co.uk  or call 01243 373780.   The News 10 June 2009 7th June Tories romp home in Emsworth Unsurprisingly, Emsworth remained blue, on a greatly reduced turn out, with the election of Ray Bolton as a County Councillor but with a reduced share of the vote, down by 4.4% compared to his predecessor , David Gillett in 2005. Likewise, Labour were driven into last place behind the Greens with their share of the result reduced by 10.7% For the first time UKIP had a candidate and came third in the poll impacting on the other parties. Results for Emsworth and St Faith's (Havant District) 2009     2005 2009   Party Percentage of vote Percentage of vote Percentage Change Conservative Party 51.03% 46.66% -4.37% LibResidents Associationl Democrats 25.27% 24.46% -0.81% UKIP   11.98% 11.98% Green Party 6.99% 8.10% 1.11% Labour Party 16.71% 6.03% -10.68%         Turn out 70.6% 45.4% --25.2% 29th May Havant LitResidents Associationry Festival judges are unveiled The judges of competitions at the Havant LitResidents Associationry Festival have been announced. The second annual festival will run from September 25 to October 4 with a full programme including talks from Fay Weldon, Maggie Gee and Stella Duffy and a poet in a shed. There are also sevResidents Associationl competitions being run in the run-up to the event.  Emsworth author Vanessa Curtis will be one of the judges of the children's short story competition which, along with the poetry competition, has launched in schools across Havant. The theme is 'other people's shoes' – tying in with one of the festival's three main themes of crime, water and journeying. The festival hopes young writers will be inspired to explore alternative viewpoints, characters and situations. The other short story judge is Jayne Woodhouse, who writes The Victorians for the BBC. Southsea poet Maggie Sawkins will judge the poetry entries and conduct workshops in some schools.  All the winners will receive their prize from a VIP guest at the festival's grand opening and prize giving ceremony at Havant Arts Centre on September 25.  The News's education reporter, Siôn Donovan, who spearheaded the News's Spread the Word litResidents Associationcy campaign last year, will judge the adult short story competition which is also inspired by the journeying theme.  The adult poetry competition has also now launched. The judge is the widely published poet Anne Stewart. The maximum number of lines is 40 on the theme 'water'. E-mail hlfnewsletter@googlemail.com  for an application form – or download one from www.havantlitfest.org.uk  Closing date is August 1.   The News 28 May 2009 20th May A free festival at Staunton Park, Havant that promises to deliver the very best in family entertainment with a programme that explores on of our vital resources - water! - Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th July 2009 The event is being put together by the organisers of the Emsworth Food Festival, which was scrapped last year as some residents and businesses thought it had become too big for the town. The water festival has been held in Winchester and Romsey over the past few years and has attracted up to 10,000 people over two days. Hampshire Water Festival 2009 will include: FREE entry to event and Staunton Park, including Gardens and Farm Over 50 exhibitors to include gardening and local food producers Workshops and demonstrations of water efficiency and conservation Hands-on activities for the whole family Open daily from 10am to 5pm Children’s activities Live entertainment For more information contact: Lulu Bowerman – Event Organiser Email: lulu.bowerman@googlemail.com Tel: 023 9245 3405 Web: www.hampshirewaterfestival.co.uk Read the article in The News 14 May New hospice shop   Artist Lady Pippa Blake cut the ribbon to open a new charity shop in Emsworth to raise money for Chichester's St Wilfrid's Hospice. The new shop in High Street was opened by Lady Blake, the wife of the late environmentalist and sailor Sir Peter Blake, and a patron of the charity. The shop, which was previously known as Flowers Gallery, is at 38 High Street and is in a restored Grade II listed building. The shop will stock a range of up-market ladies and men's clothing, good-quality books, trinkets and bric-a-brac. Store manager Sue Painter and her assistant Beverley Fagg, who both transferred from The Boutique in St Martin's, Chichester welcomed the first customers with a glass of bubbly. Chief executive Alison Moorey said: "We are delighted to be opening a shop in Emsworth and working with our colleagues form the Rowans Hospice in Waterlooville who also have a charity shop in the town. The shop will be open 9.30am-4.30pm six days a week. Although furniture will not be on sale in the shop, these items can be donated to the hospice. Call 01243 776712. Chichester Observer 14 May 2009 8th May A&E department to remain at St Richards Hospital The service model proposed by clinicians and backed by Sir Graeme Catto, which would keep A&E services in all three hospitals (St Richards Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital and Worthing Hospital), has been approved by West Sussex Primary Care Trust at a board meeting held today (07 May 2008). Model three which did not feature in the original proposals and was designed by clinicians during the consultation period last year received overwhelming support at today’s board meeting held in Haywards Heath. John Wilderspin, Chief Executive of West Sussex PCT said the model approved was the ‘best model for providing hospital care for people in West Sussex’. Speaking after the board he said: “This model has the support of the local NHS and has been designed with the public’s views in mind. It will ensure that the majority of people can still go to their local A&E apart from those needing really specialist care who will be better supported in a hospital with more specialist services. I believe this is the best model for hospital services in West Sussex.” Sir Graeme Catto, President of the GenResidents Associationl Medical Council and Independent Chair of the Options Assessment Panel, who looked at the proposals for West Sussex said he was delighted that the board approved model three. He said: “The case for change made by the PCT was very clear.  Healthcare cannot stand still and changes have to be made. But the public’s voice was also clear – the majority did not want to lose A&E services or see a reduction in health services at their local hospital. By adopting this model for the people of West Sussex, I think that the (West Sussex) PCT has listened to clinicians and the public but at the same time has ensured the model for hospital care is one that will last. Model three means health services will remain local where possible and will only be centralised where the benefits for patients are clear – such as maternity services. I welcome this news. ” A&E services will stay at Princess Royal, St Richard’s and Worthing Hospitals, together with intensive care (treatment and monitoring for people who are in a critically ill, or unstable, condition), routine planned surgery (when a patient goes into hospital on a specific day, for a specific opResidents Associationtion, such as a hernia repair) and acute medical emergencies, for example heart attacks. There will be the gradual centralisation to one hospital site of some services: consultant-led maternity services, inpatient children’s services, emergency surgery, for example acute appendicitis and the majority of trauma cases, including hip fractures. These changes will be supported by the development of services in primary and community care and increased investment in the ambulance service. As well as the consultant-led maternity service, West Sussex PCT has promised to  increase the range of birthing options for local women by providing two midwife-led units at other locations in West Sussex; a service which is currently not available. Source: West Sussex PCT 7th May 09 7th May Residents set to fight plans for 700 homes Neighbours say they are ready for a fight over proposals to build hundreds of new homes on their doorstep. People living in Emsworth say they will oppose a plan to build 700 new homes in the village over the next two decades. They are angry as up to 90 per cent of those new homes could be on green spaces. The row comes as Havant Borough Council has forged ahead with proposals to build 6,300 new homes in the borough to meet government house building targets. The council's executive voted at a meeting on Wednesday to put out the report for public consultation in June. Residents say they are going to make their views known during the six-week consultation. Pene Salter, of Birch Tree Drive, Emsworth, a member of Emsworth Residents' Association, said: 'We are not going down without a fight. 'This is just urban sprawl and we seem to be spreading concrete across the whole of the region. 'We should be looking at refurbishing empty homes, rather than building out. 'These fields are our green lungs and I just think it's criminal to build on them.' The council has not confirmed any sites in Emsworth that could be developed in the new report, although other sites, such as Woodcroft Farm in Waterlooville and Hayling Island seafront have been confirmed as 'strategic' sites for development. But last year, as part of an earlier council report, possible sites for development were 280 homes in the Emsworth Gap, which is farmland between the village and Westbourne, 227 homes to the west and east of Horndean Road and 123 dwellings at Horse Field, south of the A259 in Emsworth. Council leader Tony Briggs said all councils had a statutory duty to produce house building targets. He said: 'These are the numbers we have to provide between now and 2026. 'But we have always said the infrastructure has to be in place before these properties are built.' Asked whether the targets could be met, he added: 'In the present economic climate, that is extremely doubtful. 'It's quite clear the housing numbers that have been allocated across the country are not going to be achieved in the present economic climate.'   The News 05 May 2009 7th May St George's event to march on next year The huge St George's celebration in Emsworth is set to become an annual event. More than 2,000 people waved flags with pride as 100 soldiers from Thorney Island marched through the village to mark England's national day. There were exhibitions, a concert and a market to celebrate being English. Organisers say it wasn't just a one-off – and plan an event of similar scale next year. The village was closed off for two hours, but organisers are not worried about the event following in the footsteps of the Emsworth Food Festival, which was scrapped over worries it had become too big for the village. Organiser Brendan Gibb-Gray, chairman of Emsworth Business Association, said he had been bowled over by locals' response. He said: 'It's been fantastic. It struck a chord because the economic news is so bad. It was so spontaneous. 'It was an amazing local event and Emsworth really got behind it. 'We have got a close connection with the military. It's a way for local people to have a voice and tell the military we are grateful for what they do. 'They are very good reasons for Emsworth to carry on doing it.' The event this year, mainly through street collections, raised £2,500 for Help For Heroes – a charity that helps wounded soldiers, many of whom have lost limbs. Some of the cash will also go to the Army Benevolent Fund. The winner of the shop window competition was Grate Fyres, of High Street, which impressed people with its fire-breathing dragon. The St George's celebrations next year could be even bigger, said Mr Gibb-Gray. This year the ceremony commemorated the Battle of the Imjin River, 58 years ago to the day, when hundreds of servicemen lost their lives during the Korean War. Many Korean war vetResidents Associationns turned up on the day and were given the ceremonial Imjin flower. Next year Emsworth hopes to invite Gurkhas, Nepalese soldiers who have been fighting for Britain for almost 200 years. 'There are quite a few in the Portsmouth area,' said Mr Gibb-Gray. 'We would like to show them our appreciation. A lot of people feel they are not getting a good deal from the government.'   The News 05 May 2009     7th May CCTV in the Havant Borough Havant Borough Council is investing in the future of CCTV in the borough Havant Borough Council agreed to some major changes in CCTV provision within the borough on the 25th of March 2009, following an extensive evidence-based review of the current scheme. The review of current CCTV provision has been conducted to ensure that a more focused and future proof system is in place to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in identified areas of need across the Havant Borough.  The findings of the recent review along with strategic recommendations were presented at the meeting on Wednesday 25 March. Making the borough a safer place to live, work and visit and tackling anti-social behaviour and crime are key objectives of the Havant Borough Council Community Strategy, the Corporate Strategy and the Crime and Disorder Strategy.  The provision of public space CCTV is an important element in achieving these aims as part of a fully co-ordinated partnership approach to community safety. As part of the recent review, a comprehensive technical survey of the Havant CCTV command and control system was undertaken, which found that the current system has outlived its useful life.  The system is in need of a complete overhaul and upgrading to digital recording technology.  Many of the camResidents Association units are outdated and spare parts are no longer available.  With new technology appearing on the market it was felt that it was time to review the current system. At the meeting on the 25th of March it was decided that: The current CCTV control room will be upgraded to enable digital recording. There will be a maximum of 40 fixed CCTV camResidents Associations at locations to be confirmed in liaison with key stakeholders, informed by the analysis of crime and anti-social behaviour trends. Core provision will include town centres and identified crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots with the flexibility to provide cover for identified areas of particular concern. The remaining camResidents Associations will be disconnected from the fibre network but left in place. The council will invest in four re-deployable CCTV systems to enable the flexibility to respond to new demands. CamResidents Associations will still be recording 24-hours a day, seven days a week although live monitoring hours within the control room will be reduced from 24 hours to 16 hours weekdays and 18 hours at weekends. A CCTV steering group will be formed of key stakeholders to review the council’s CCTV strategy and opResidents Associationting protocols and officers will continue to monitor the  development of wireless CCTV nationally. Source: Safer Havant Partnership   26th April Four days celebrating St. George's day concluded today with the second Emsworth Sunday Market With an estimated 4,000 visitors, wall to wall sunshine and great stalls the Festival Market was a huge success. View the photos HERE If you visited Emsworth's St George's Celebration please complete the feedback form by following the link below:   More on: www.emsworthfestivalmarkets.co.uk

25^th April

St George's Day Photos

24^th April

St George's Day Video

Courtesy of The News

23^rd April

Proud day in Emsworth as the cross of St George flies high

The cross of St George was flying high in Emsworth today (Thursday, April 23) as the town held a major celebration of the patron saint.

Chairman of Emsworth Business Association Brendan Gibb-Gray said: "It's absolutely amazing. The number of people has been brilliant. We had many more people than we thought.

"I think it struck a cord with people. People have shown their pride in the military in public and there were people crying, tears rolling down their cheeks.

"The people of Emsworth have always been proud of our association with the military but this is the first time we have had tanks rolling up and down the street."

 

Mid Sussex Times: 23 April 2009

13^th April

 Steam Hauled Train Marks Anniversary

 The 150th anniversary of the opening of the 'Direct' Portsmouth Railway between Farncombe in Surrey and Havant, which allowed rail travellers between Portsmouth and London Waterloo to make their journey by the most direct route via Guildford, rather than via Eastleigh or Chichester was marked by a special strain hauled by Britannia class 70013, Oliver Cromwell.

 Until 1859 rail travellers were unable to travel between Portsmouth and London via Guildford without travelling on a stagecoach due to a dispute between London and South Western Railway and the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway companies, and in fact the rivalry between the two companies led to the famous 'Battle of Havant' in December 1858 where a train was chained across the new junction at Havant. The dispute was shortly settled in the Courts and the first train using the 'Direct Railway' between Havant and Farncombe ran on 24th January 1859. Today this is still the most direct route between Portsmouth and the capital with trains from Havant doing the journey to London in 80 minutes.

 The link about the Battle of Havant (above) is also available in hard copy from the Buriton Heritage Bank. Articles about the planning and building of the 'Direct' Portsmouth Railway appeared in the March/April (812 kb PDF ) and May/June (388 kb , PDF ) 1947 issues of 'Railway Magazine'.

Source: Havant Borough Council
Photo: Carol Swift

11th April

New Havant Tesco store approved

The new Tesco Store in Havant has finally been given the green light after a controversial decision by councillors. Havant Borough Council has voted to approve the demolition of the Havant's Tesco to make way for a new store double in size.

A new traffic light system will be installed at the junction of Park Road South and Solent Road rather than the slip road as originally planned.

The old store will close on April 19th

Melanie Chiswell, Tesco's corporate affairs manager, said: 'We're delighted to get approval for a better store.

'We look forward to seeing everybody in our new store at Christmas.'

3rd April

Havant District Pubwatch Launch New Website

 Dozens of pubs in the Havant and Waterlooville areas have joined a scheme which will make it easy for bar staff to identify known troublemakers.

Called Havant District Pubwatch, the website will assist in bringing the local Pubwatch community together.

On 12th January 2009, a presentation and proposal at Havant Borough Council was put forward to licensees showing how this idea could be put forward and how it could benefit the local community. A unanimous and positive response was given and six weeks later, the first part of the website was launched showing members of the public what Havant District Pubwatch is all about.

At the time of writing, another part of the site, a secure section reserved for licensees, is being designed.

Many pubs have been members of the existing Havant Pubwatch scheme for years, but it has a limited effect, as it often means landlords must call police for information about offenders. Now however, this site will help unite the Pubwatch community on the south coast.

The secure members' section will have information only for licensees, including details of people banned from pubs, access to CCTV footage and easy communication features built into the site.

www.havant-district-pubwatch.co.uk

30th March

Sailors rescued from Chichester Harbour boat blaze

FOUR men had to be rescued when their boat caught fire just minutes after setting off from Chichester Harbour on Sunday (March 29).
Lifeboat crews rushed to the scene of the burning 40ft motor cruiser at around 1pm and brought the men to safety.

The boat had left Northney Marina, Hayling Island, enroute to Thornham Marina, caught fire in Sweare Deep and finally beached about 300yds west of Conigar Point at Warblington where firefighters from both West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Hayling Island and Havant continued to tackle the blaze from both on the water and onshore.
 

28th March

EMSWORTH'S BARMAIDS PRESENT CHEQUE

The girls from the Coal Exchange  presenting a cheque to the Chief Executive of St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Alison Moorey   for the sum of £2500 on Saturday, 28th March.

24th March
 

EMEMSWORTH'S BARMAIDS RAISE £2500 FOR ST WILFRIDS HOSPICE

Following the success of the Emsworth Barmaids Calendar, the girls from the Coal Exchange will be handing over a cheque to St Wilfrid’s Hospice for the sum of £2500 on Saturday, 28^th March.

At 10.30am, see the cheque being presented to the Chief Executive of the hospice, Alison Moorey at the Coal Exchange, South Street, Emsworth. Many of the calendar girls will be there, so take this opportunity to get your calendar signed if it’s not already!

Calendar sales have raised £5000 in total; the other £2500 is going to the Havant branch of Women’s Aid in the next few weeks. Amy Summers, the co-ordinator of the Barmaids calendar says “I am really happy that the calendar was a success and I am very grateful to everyone who bought one, and to all the shops and pubs that stocked them for us. Emsworth has been very supportive and without this support and generosity we wouldn’t have raised so much money for such a good cause."

There are still a limited number of these calendars left, available from the Coal Exchange pub in South Street, Emsworth for another month or so, priced at £4.00.

17th March

15th March

WORK STARTS AT EAST HEAD

Essential work to protect the fragile sand dunes of East Head begins on Monday. 15,000 tons of sand and shingle will be recycled to strengthen the vulnResidents Associationble hinge and neck area of East Head in Chichester Harbour.

The recycling scheme, which has received planning permission from Chichester District Council, will involve recycling material from the north to the south of East Head to create an enlarged barrier beach that will significantly widen and strengthen the point of the beach where East Head joins the West Wittering car park.

This work is the first step in implementing the new Coastal Defence Strategy for the West Wittering and East Head frontages. John Davis, Manager & Harbour Master said, ‘These essential works have been agreed on by the East Head Coastal Issues Advisory Group and will protect access to this popular area. We have received support from the local community and generous funding from the partnership members to make the works possible.

East Head will be closed to the public for approximately three weeks from the 16 March. During this time West Wittering Beach will remain open.

The project is being taken forward by a partnership consisting of West Wittering Parish Council, Chichester District Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the National Trust, West Wittering Estate, Cakeham Manor Estate, the Woodger Trust and the Chichester Harbour Conservancy. Despite no available government funding, the scheme has been paid for by some of the partnership members.   

• Background information on East Head can be found at http://www.conservancy.co.uk/environment/east_head.asp

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12 March

12th March

10th March

7th March

4th March

My, what a scrumptious pie

EMSWORTH's long tradition of running a food event carried on as the town's first ever pork pie making competition was held. The Emsworth Pork Pie Challenge went down a storm, and so did the pork pies which were eaten after judging had finished. The event also raised £150 for children's charity Naomi House Hospice.

Organiser Liz Robertson is hoping to hold it again next year. "Everyone said it was a really good event," she commented.
 John Chapman-Andrews, like many other entrants, had never made a pork pie before, and he vowed never to attempt it again until being announced winner.
 He said: "When they announced the winner you could have knocked me over with a feather."

 Midhurst and Petworth Observer 05 March 2009

24th February

New Tesco store for Havant moves forward
 

Over the last few months Tesco have been in detailed discussions with Havant Borough Council regarding the finished design details for the new store in Havant with particular focus on incorporating a number of environmental features. Now, subject to compliance with remaining planning requirements, this exciting project is ready to move forward.

The plan will see contractors setting up on site with a view to starting work in the 4th week of April. The demolition of the existing store and construction programme will be accelResidents Associationted as much as possible so that the store will effectively be closed for only 7 months, as opposed to the 11 months originally envisaged. This means the new, modern and larger store should be ready to open in time for Christmas this year. The petrol filling station will continue to opResidents Associationte as normal throughout.

With much improved links to the town centre, the new store will provide a more attractive and pleasant shopping environment incorporating a raised café, and additional parking, as well as a range of improved services for customers. Around 300 extra jobs will also be created for local people. The scheme will also see a significant contribution to improved public transport, cycle and pedestrian links. Existing store staff will be transferred to other Tesco stores during the construction phase.

Melanie Chiswell Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco commented "We are delighted that our plans for a new store in Havant are now ready to move forward. We look forward to welcoming existing and new customers when the new store opens in December".

Councillor David Guest, Sustainable Development Portfolio Holder, Havant Borough Council said "We are delighted that in the current economic climate that Tesco's are keen to continue to invest in Havant and we look forward to using the new store before the end of the year"

: “Tesco’s approach to development has changed and they are raising standards in all their new schemes to address the sustainability agenda and Havant will be no exception.

Employing new technology of renewable energy sources, gas combined heat and power plant, high insulation and energy waste control will lead to a more economic building opResidents Associationtion. Many of the materials arising from demolition of the existing store will be recycled. Tesco has announced that the new store will employ 300 people, taking total employment in the store up to approximately 525, which is particularly good news in a recession.

Work will be necessary on the junction of Solent Road and Park Road South, to provide for additional queuing space in Solent Road, and we hope that any disruption will be kept to a minimum. When complete the store will provide 667 parking spaces.”

Environmental features are planned to be incorporated in the new design which aims to achieve the highly respected Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Very Good rating.

The aim will be to reduce the carbon footprint of the store by a third by using the very latest Government approved Gas Combined Heat and Power Plant, modern energy-efficient refrigResidents Associationtion and oven installations and Solar and photovoltaic panel installations. Rainwater harvesting will also be used to flush the toilets

Contacts:

Tesco Stores Ltd. – Tony Fletcher – 01992 806533
Havant Borough Council - Jo Humphreys - 023 9244 6491

24th February

Relaying the Pavements in South Street

Work proceeds apace

21st February

Summary Document 

20th February

Oyster talk a sell-out Thursday 19th February
With over 100 people attending the Trust's talk on the Rise & Fall of Emsworth Oysters
and demand outstripping supply, the talk will be repeated on Thursday 22nd October in the larger Mountford Rooms.
Tickets will be again on sale at The Blue Bell Inn in South Street at only £2 each.

The oyster pens in 1886

7th February

3rd February

Emsworth in the Snow

3rd February

SNOW: Chaos on the Sussex roads

Police vehicles hauled cars from roadside ditches alongside the A27, but while they were busy, miles and miles of queuing traffic was backed up behind them.

 The westbound lane of the duel carriageway was closed completely from the Fishbourne roundabout through to Emsworth, while the road was re-gritted.

One commuter, Colin Channon, who travels from Gosport to Chichester each morning, said: "For the second day running, the trip lasted more than two and a half hours.

"Yesterday was understandable - the snow was so bad that everyone drove slowly and carefully.

"Today, conditions seemed much better - but that was deceptive, as the roads were icy and very slippery.

"Cars in front of me were sliding all over the place and it was lucky there were no serious incidents.

"But it always amazes me that whatever the road conditions, there are always some drivers who want to risk everything by driving far too fast in the outside lane."

SevResidents Associationl commuters opted to divert from the A27 and seek alternative routes.

John Carter drove through Havant and past West Leigh along Bartons Road.

But he was only yards into Emsworth Common Road heading towards Aldsworth when a passing motorist informed him the road was blocked.

"Emsworth Common Road was treacherous and I was glad to turn around. As I was doing so, a Mini lost control and slid into a lamppost.

"Instead I came down the Horndead Road and into Emsworth. Although there was plenty of slush on the road, traffic was at least moving at about 10mph.

"And the further I progressed along the A259 the better conditions got. All in all, a journey that should have taken 30 minutes took me one hour and 45 minutes."

Midhurst & Petworth Observer 03 February 2009

30th January

WILDLIFE AND ECOLOGY REPORT CHICHESTER HARBOUR 2007-8
Covering the period between September 2007 and December 2008, this
report constitutes a review of the current state of harbour wildlife. It includes
the monitoring, research and management work carried out during the period
in accordance with the AONB Management Plan, and work towards achieving
biodiversity targets.

Read the full Report

25th January

Proposals announced to manage the risk of coastal flooding and erosion

Flooding and erosion are real risks facing people and their properties along the Portchester Castle to Emsworth stretch of coastline in Hampshire. The Environment Agency predict that within 100 years, more than 4,200 homes in the low lying areas are likely to flood in these here each year as sea levels rise.

The Environment Agency, in partnership with Fareham Borough, Portsmouth City, Havant Borough and Chichester District Councils, has announced strategic recommendations in order to manage current and future risks along this part of the Hampshire coast.

The Portchester Castle to Emsworth draft coastal flood and erosion risk management strategy recommends that the vast majority of properties should be protected to their current standard or better. However, the draft strategy also recognises that securing Government funding for building and maintaining defences cannot be guaranteed. Views from the communities and key stakeholders have already shaped the draft strategy and the Environment Agency and their partners are now seeking further comments from residents on the proposed options before they are finalised.

James Humphrys, Solent & South Downs Area Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “With our climate changing and sea levels rising, the risks and the number of people affected is likely to increase. We have to take a long term view of flood and erosion management for this stretch of coastline.

“We cannot prevent all flooding and erosion but we believe what we are proposing in this draft strategy is the best way to manage the risks. We have assessed all potential options for the impact they would have on people, the environment and our economy, but central government funding is limited and there is strong competition from around the country.”

Lyall Cairns, Coastal Defence Partnership Manager for Havant Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council, said: “I welcome the development of the Strategy in partnership with the Environment Agency. This will enable us to balance the needs of both people and the environment when responding to the challenges of adapting to climate change.”

Councillor David Swanbrow, Executive Member for Planning and Transportation at Fareham Borough Council, said: “Fareham Borough Council fully supports the Environment Agency view that sea defences between Portchester Castle and Paulsgrove should be improved to reduce the flood and erosion risk. And although there is no immediate danger, this is good news for the residents and businesses in the area.

“My fellow councillors and I will support the Environment Agency’s plan to pursue funding for building and maintaining sea defences in order to safeguard the long term future of the area.”

This is a draft strategy and no final decisions have been made. People now have a chance to share their views of the recommended management options and how the strategy will be carried out. Residents are invited to have their say before 13 April 2009 to ensure that their opinions are considered when the final strategy is produced later this year.

Everyone is invited to come along to the following drop-in exhibitions, where you can pick up a summary of the draft strategy, ask questions and discuss the recommendations with members of the project team. Exhibitions will be held from 1pm to 8pm at:

Emsworth Centre, 35-37 South Street, Emsworth – Friday 6 March

Langstone Sailing Club, Langstone Road, Langstone – Thursday 19 March

The Portchester Castle to Emsworth Draft Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Strategy summary document and summary technical report are available to download from the Environment Agency website (external website)>>   

You can also request a copy of the summary document by calling 08708 506 506. Summary documents are also available at Fareham, Portchester, Havant and Emsworth libraries, Environment Agency offices and Local Authority offices.

HBC January 2008

24th January