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Emsworth News |
Updated: 25 January 2012 |
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10th December
The Brookfield
Hotel Emsworth has recently said a ‘Festive Thank-You’ to
local companies that regularly use the hotel for business
conferences, lunches, corporate dinners and client accommodation, by
inviting them for a glass of mulled wine, mince pies and a floristry
workshop!
The guests were treated to a master class in Christmas
Wreath making by local florists Clare Dridge and Sally Waddington of
Nursery Fresh Flowers, Horndean, before making their own wreaths to take
home.
Weddings and Events Manager, Jamie Drew and General
Manager Amanda Thomas wanted to show their appreciation for the support
given to the hotel over the past year and thought that Christmas wreath
making was fun and unique.
The guests, from
local firms including; Colt International, Hitachi and Sumika, thoroughly
enjoyed the evening with several signing up to floral workshops being held
by Nursery Fresh next year.
The Icing On The Cake For Heidi’s
Emsworth Coffee Shop Launches Online
When celebrated Swiss baker Ernst Strassman tentatively opened the doors to his first patisserie on Hayling Island in 1969, the former Fortnum & Mason’s Head Patissier could never have imagined they would become such an institution. The coffee shops, named for his daughter, Heidi, now boast nine thriving locations across the south and this week, they are joining the Internet revolution with the launch of their new website.
For more than forty years, Heidi’s delicious cakes and pastries have become synonymous with the south coast and remain a quiet and understated success due to the ethos established by her father; fresh breads, pastries, cream cakes and quiches all packaged in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.
“We’ve always strived to offer
customers great variety and value for money and will always be your local
patisserie,” owner Heidi Ormsby states, “but it is important we move with the
times and communicate with our customers in the most effective way possible.
In terms of what the launch means to the company, Heidi commented; “The new website means we can now keep customers informed of special offers, new recipes and showcase some of our more unusual, hand-made celebration cakes, which we are particularly excited about.”
The website has been created by web design and branding agency Superrb, who handled all the creative aspects, including photography, copywriting and online marketing. On working with Heidi’s, Superrb Managing Director Matt Pilkington explained, “When we opened our studio on Hayling Island, Heidi’s was right at the very top of our client list as it has such a rich heritage and we all grew up enjoying Heidi’s cakes and pastries.”
The website has been constructed in such a way that Heidi’s staff can easily update it themselves, adding fresh pages and photos, posting news and optimising it to improve search engine rankings. Along with the website, Heidi’s has also made it’s first foray into social media with a Twitter account and a Facebook page.
All of this may be new territory for Heidi’s but it’s already capturing their customers’ imagination. In fact, the day the site launched, the Facebook page received a stream of ‘likes’ and glowing comments, including how the pictures were making one poster rather hungry!
“This is about the new generation of customers we’re seeing come through our door and how we need to evolve along with them,” Heidi states confidently. There is however a determination to remain the same company her father founded all those years ago, with its heart in the past and it’s head in the future. “That’s our plan. We still bake everything onsite at Hayling Island and that, along with our values will always stay the same.” Some things, thankfully, will never change.
Visit the website at: www.heidispatisserie.co.uk
8th December
Uncovering the Past - Emsworth,
Oysters and Men
A new book written by local historian Linda Newell telling the story of
how oysters made Emsworth's fortune, and how the decline of the industry could
have been the end for Emsworth.
The book is priced at £8.00 with proceeds being divided between
It is on sale at Bookends, the bookshop opposite the Crown in the High Street.
It is also available directly from Linda on 01243 371608 or
envr@btinternet.com.
You can also drop your details through the letterbox of the Museum in
It is a deliberate policy that the book is only available in Emsworth. The
story is a uniquely Emsworth story, and it is logical that it can only be
obtained in Emsworth.
A book to be enjoyed - it is a good read with interesting photographs and
original works by Angela Loader and Marion Forster.
3rd December
Emsworth Lights Up!
Friday evening found The Square packed with over 1500 people of all ages. For the first time the event was held on a Friday evening Santa arrived on his sleigh , courtesy of The Havant Rotary Club, to turn on the lights, greeted the children in his Christmas grotto before moving on to North Street for more festivities.
Earlier in the day Rev. Simon Sayers judged the window dressing competition and then presented the winning entry, W Wraight & Son Funeral Directors, and runners up with their prize certificates. Simon then took on the role of Master of Ceremonies and introduced the carol singing lead by members and musicians from St James's Church. Much mulled wine and many mince pies were consumed and Mary and Joseph were in attendance - the pubs were packed so their was no room at the inn and they has to stay in The Square. The donkeys were here as part of The Emsworth Adventure Calendar which has events and activities arranged for every day during Advent. The shops stayed open late and a good time was had by all. Organised annually by the Emsworth Business Association this was probably the best yet.
Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray said: ‘A Friday night is obviously more successful from the point of view of getting people here. ‘It is a really enjoyable community event. We have been unlucky with the weather the last couple of years, which obviously put the dampener on things. But this year is great.’
 Emsworth Christmas Lights by Millstream Productions |
See the photos HERE
29th November
Emsworth Community Singers Raise £1900 for Local Charities
On Saturday evening Emsworth Community Singers performed to a packed St James Church. Two hundred and fifty concert goers where enthralled by a programme of classical, traditional pieces and music from The Shows. The concert was in aid of The Rowans and St Wilfred's Hospices. £738.17 on the Bucket Donations and Raffle alone.
Emsworth Community Singers meet every Wednesday 7.30 p.m. to
9.30 pm. at The
27th November
Emsworth Doctor, Jim Ricketts, is remembered in a forthcoming book
Jim Rickett worked as a GP in Emsworth during the blitz of
1940/41. He kept a diary at the time describing his work
which makes interesting reading as much is
now unthinkable. A caesarean was done on the dining room table. A cameo picture
is obtained of the work at the height of the blitz in 1941 after one of the most
intense raids.
He was called up into the
Army and in 1944 was in Italy when
he received an urgent posting to join the
commandos, working with the SOE (Special
Operations Executive) on the Adriatic island of Vis. He had to set up a hospital
to deal with the wounded brought back from raids. The island was to be held at
all costs against expected imminent attack. With both commandos
and partisans he set up a makeshift
hospital from scratch. Initially he had to operate with a kerosene lamp
for light. Later they managed to get wiring from a crashed Liberator and set up
electricity using an old diesel generator. They bartered and stole to get the
unit operational. They were inundated with work. The unit and the whole team
became highly effective, and provided some light-hearted moments. They became
the local
social centre at the time Tito set up his HQ on the island.
This first-hand account makes fascinating reading.
Written by his son, John Rickett, who
now lives in
27th November
The Christmas Tree is planted
in the Square
Sunday morning saw
several EBA members decorating this year's tree in the square in preparation for
the Emsworth Christmas Celebrations on Friday. Supervised by Carol Haskett the
Business Association Chairman, who was also interviewed by Radio Solent, Sue
Treagust (Treagusts Butchers),Kevin Griffen (K.G Electrical), Dave Sly
(Southern Tyres),Gareth Haskett (GCS Computer Services Ltd), Linda Newell, Carol
Common and Reg all gave a hand. Kevin checked that the lights were working ready
for Santa to turn on! This year the tree is sponsored by chartered accountants
Goff & Company.
26th November
Charity Cycle Ride to Romania
The Square in Emsworth was busy this morning as firefighters, soldiers, Royal Navy personnel and gym-goers have set out to to pedal from Emsworth to Transylvania – without moving. Instead, they will cover the 1,480 miles on static spin exercise bikes, taking turns every few hours.
Participating teams so far include Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Army and Royal Navy personnel, local cycle clubs and gym enthusiasts and it is hoped that local youth groups and the general public will step up and take the challenge.
Crew Manager Perry Dodgson from Havant Fire Station, who is also a retained firefighter at Emsworth, organised the event with George 'Topsy' Turner from Innovations Fitness which is also based at Emsworth. Perry said,
gnity"
sums it all up."George Turner from Innovations Fitness said:
22nd November
Blu the runaway Bedhampton whippet is spotted in Nore Barn Woods
BLU is a dog on the run – and being able to sprint at 35mph, she’s going to be difficult to catch.
The three-year-old whippet is at the centre of a missing dog campaign that has sparked a Facebook page with more than 160 followers.
Blu vanished while being walked by owners Julie McDonagh, 37, and partner Nigel Easton, 45, on a field in Old Bedhampton on Tuesday, November 1. Fifteen minutes later the hound was seen running in the direction of Broadmarsh – and appears to have never stopped running ever since. Several sightings have been reported near Emsworth in the villages of Chidham, Southbourne, Prinsted and Bosham. She’s just so fast,’ said Julie, of Maylands Road, Bedhampton, who also owns another whippet called Meg and a Cairn terrier called Mia.
‘She’s like lightning. Everyone says she sprints off every time they try to catch her. She’s got a leather collar on, so some people think she’s with someone.’
Julie is pulling out all the stops to get her beloved pooch back home.
She said: ‘We have been to all the rescue centres, contacted the dog wardens, put posters up in fish and chip shops, supermarkets, anywhere we can. We have put flyers through people’s door. Hopefully we will be able to entice her back. Blu is very food-orientated. We have been going out with cooked sausages and biscuits trying to find her. Lots of people have said that after a few days they become feral and their animal instincts come out. They can feed on rabbits, apples, anything they can find.’
The Dogs Trust, a canine welfare charity, has offered to provide a special trap to catch Blu.
But until then Julie and Nigel are trying to work out the dog’s movements.
Julie said: ‘At the moment we are trying to work out the area she is in. They say dogs work in triangles. We need to find a good place to put down her bedding and then we will have more chance of finding her. It’s about 4pm that people seem to see her.'
‘If we can get any more sightings to see where she sleeps or where she’s going to, it would help. Missing Blu the most is Julie’s two-year-old daughter, Evelyn. Every morning she’s saying “Blu has gone”,’ said Julie. But if anyone can survive out there, it’s Blu. Everyone says she’s unbelievable,’ said Julie. She’s a really cheeky dog. There’s a six-bar gate she can jump over and she will eat anything. My next door neighbour walks her and says she even eats snails. She’s probably just eating whatever she can.’
Anyone with sightings can contact the Facebook group Help find Blu or call (023) 9283 7281.
The News 22-Nov-11
21st November
Work begins in
The Square
Work has begun on laying
a new gas main in 
remains open to allow access to South Street and is controlled by traffic
lights. This work is expected to take five days
21st November
Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Under Threat from Government's Plans
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Chichester Harbour Conservancy has warned that the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is under threat from the Government’s proposed National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The Government’s intention is to move away from the current plan-led system to one that gives priority to economic growth. The Conservancy are concerned that this will allow development to go ahead without due regard to its quality or location. At present, the Conservancy are consulted on all planning applications within and near to the AONB and are able to comment and advise so that developments have a minimal impact on the protected landscape.
Siun Cranny, the Director said, ‘These new plans could fundamentally affect both the AONB and the wider landscape.’ As one of the smallest AONBs, Chichester Harbour is particularly vulnerable as it lies so near to the main towns of Chichester and Havant. Development within or close to its boundaries would threaten the landscape quality and the quality of life for the local communities. ‘
Siun adds, ‘We urge everyone to be aware of the
Government’s proposals. On the
Conservancy you will find our position statement
with five key areas that we wish the Government to consider when developing the
proposed NPPF. We are not against new developments but want to ensure that the
right developments happen in the right places to the benefit of our communities
now and in the future.’
Read the full position statement.
19th November
Final Score for voice of the football results Tim Gudgin, an Emsworth Resident
The voice of BBC television's Saturday
tea-time football results will hang up his microphone for the final time.
After a broadcasting career spanning more than six
decades, Tim Gudgin, with his distinctive rising and falling intonation, has
decided to retire - a week before his 82nd birthday. He may have admitted to
having trouble pronouncing Hamilton Academical in the early days, but his
trademark tones bought him his first house mortgage-free and helped singing
legend Bing Crosby back a 10/1 winner.
"It will be emotional. But as far as I am concerned I
will go in and do it and that will be it," says Gudgin, who now lives in
Emsworth, Hampshire.
"It is a triple reason why I am going, age, distance -
I am down on the south coast and the [BBC] team is going to be up in
He started his broadcasting his career while carrying
out National Service in
"I always wanted to get into radio but my careers
master at school... said 'not a hope Gudgin, not a hope, you will need a first
class honours degree from
But he managed to beat off 200 people to land one of
four news reading jobs in
In 1976 he joined Grandstand where he read out the
racing and rugby results until 1995 when he became only the second person,
following Len Martin's death, to read out the football results.
This came despite his own admission that his
knowledge of the game is limited and that he supports the team closest to his
current home, which over the years has meant teams as diverse as
"He was with us on the programme and Len Martin
noticed there was a horse running called Uncle Bing.
"We told Bing about this and being a very keen man on
betting and horses he said 'oh yes put something on for me, let's have £20 on
each way' and it went and won at 10/1."
Gudgin also admires modern day stars, including the
"charming" Gary Lineker.
And the feeling is mutual, according to the Match of
the Day presenter who said: "Saturday afternoons will never be the same again."
The veteran broadcaster now intends to spend more time
with his family, including six children and seven grandchildren. But he
has not ruled out returning to do the odd commercial voiceover once in a while -
something he was not allowed to do while at the BBC.
"I used to do them... when I went freelance from Radio
2.
"I did an in-vision commercial for Square Deals Surf
[washing powder] which bought me the first house I ever had without a mortgage,
so that was well worth it."
He is to be replaced from next week by Mike West, who
has presented sports bulletins on BBC Radio Lancashire
17th November
Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Under Threat from Government's Plans
Chichester Harbour Conservancy has warned that the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is under threat from the Government’s proposed National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The Government’s intention is to move away from the current plan-led system to one that gives priority to economic growth. The Conservancy are concerned that this will allow development to go ahead without due regard to its quality or location. At present, the Conservancy are consulted on all planning applications within and near to the AONB and are able to comment and advise so that developments have a minimal impact on the protected landscape.
Siun Cranny, the Director said, ‘These new plans could fundamentally affect both the AONB and the wider landscape.’ As one of the smallest AONBs, Chichester Harbour is particularly vulnerable as it lies so near to the main towns of Chichester and Havant. Development within or close to its boundaries would threaten the landscape quality and the quality of life for the local communities. ‘
Siun adds, ‘We urge everyone to be aware of the Government’s proposals.
On the Conservancy
you will find our position statement with five key areas that we wish the
Government to consider when developing the proposed NPPF. We are not against
new developments but want to ensure that the right developments happen in
the right places to the benefit of our communities now and in the future.
Read the full position statement.
8th November
The Emsworth Adventure Calendar for 2011 is Published
A different kind of Advent Calendar; instead of pictures we have activities and events, one for every day of December until Christmas Eve. Almost every activity is free (although there are suggested donations for some events) and open to everyone. They take place in and around Emsworth and are designed to appeal to all ages. The Adventure Calendar is much more fun for everyone when people take part so do drop by and say hello, enjoy a hot drink and a chat and who knows, you may want to join in!
Now in its third year the full list of activities for December 2011can be downloaded HERE
www.emsworthadventurecalendar.org.uk
7th November
Olympic Torch Route
misses out Emsworth
5th November
Church wins right to build auditorium at Emsworth’s gateway
PLANS for a new church in the heart of Emsworth have been given the go-ahead by a government inspector.
Earlier this year councillors at Havant Borough Council refused the £2m plans over concerns the design was not befitting of the town’s historic character.
On a vote of three councillors to two, the planning committee said it wanted a more of a landmark building for the gateway to Emsworth.
But Emsworth Baptist Church, in North Street, appealed to the government and an inspector has now upheld the appeal.
Patrick Laycock, chairman of building project group, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted. The inspector’s report really said it all that everything about the design was complementary to the site.’
The new church building will include a 200-seat auditorium – which will be used for church services and also community events.
The chapel, which is separate to the new building and is where services are currently held, will be refurbished and include a hall, offices and toilets.
Mr Laycock said: ’Our congregation has grown over the years.
‘Our church hall is a very old, simple building and is in need of replacement.
‘And Emsworth is need of community facilities. There’s no large venue at all for any kind of events.
‘There are a number of groups that have already expressed an interest in using the building – everything from mother and toddler groups to Girl Guides and elderly organisations.’
But some community leaders were still not convinced by the design.
Emsworth Cllr Brendan Gibb-Gray, who abstained when asked to vote on the planning committee, said: ‘I would have preferred it to be an iconic building in an iconic part of Emsworth.
‘I don’t think the building we have got or are likely to have is iconic.
‘It’s going to be rather pedestrian, rather ordinary and rather bulky.’
But he added it was a personal ‘judgment call’ and many people felt the design was acceptable.
In his report government inspector Andrew Jeyes concluded that the proposals ‘would not harm the character and appearance of the locality’.
Church leaders said building work could start next autumn. More than £500,000 has so far been raised in fundraising to pay for the work.
The News 05-Nov-11
4th November
Photo of Emsworth Harbour is the Winning Entry in the 2011 Consevancy Photography Competition
Emsworth, Bosham
and
Nearly 300
photos were submitted showing scenes from all parts of the Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty. The judges commented, ‘We
believe that the winning and shortlisted photos work well together as a set
showing the variety of scenery that can be found at Chichester Harbour’.
Louise Adams, photographer for Chichester Observer and one of the judges added, ‘This year we had an exceptionally strong field of photographs. We were impressed by the amount of submissions that showed all weather conditions and times of the day, it really is worth going out to take photos either early or late in the day to get a different view of a traditional scene.’
Winning photographer
Francis Kinsella took an unusual view of the boats at low tide at Emsworth. He
said, ‘With this photo I really wanted to try and
capture something of this essence of
The three winning and fifteen shortlisted photos can all be seen on www.conservancy.co.uk. There you can vote for your favourite to win a further ‘Public Choice Prize.’ The photos will also be displayed at The Spring, Havant throughout February 2012
4th November
Emsworth Christmas Celebrations Start on Friday 2nd December
The Emsworth Business Association have announced their plans for this year's celebrations. Every year the Association organise the turning on of the Christmas lights but this year the event promises to be the beast yet with North Street joining in for the first time!
TAs in previous years the focus of the event will be in the Square with carol singing, father Christmas turning the lights on and new this year - Santa's Grotto and a real nativity scene. There will be lots of fun for the children and "Christmas Punch" and a mince pie for the adults.
North Street North Street will be hosting lots of Santa fun:
Cafe Mocca raffle draw, mince pies and fancy dress competition:
Emsworth Flowers pie throwing and children’s painting g: Essence Hair open till
late with face painting; Emsworth Chiropractor games for children and Salon 22
open till late and gift sets.
In the Town Centre from 4pm onwards:
Emsworth Home Hardware open till 8pm with complimentary wine and mince pies.
The Greenhouse Cafe will be offering Hot Dogs’ in the Courtyard with
Treagust sausages, as well as Hot Chocolate and Cinnamon Latte.
H.H. Treagust and sons Ltd. are holding ‘Guess the length of the Giant Sausage’
with any purchase all day for a £25.00 meat voucher prize. Winner will be
announced at 7pm.
Alwen wines will be holding a Christmas Pimms tasting
Heidis are giving a free mince pie if you purchase a coffee
The Bluebell Inn will be serving a mince pie with a glass of mulled wine for
£2.75
The Coal Exchange and Lord Raglan will also be offering mulled wine and mince
pies from 5.00 to 8.00
1st November
Maybush Copse opening draws closer
In the last few months considerable progress has been made at Maybush Copse,
Chidham. The laying of a protective membrane and topsoil over a large portion of
the 8-acre site has been completed together with footpaths, a new kissing gate
and sections of perimeter fencing. The majority of the 4,000 saplings that were
planted last winter have benefited from the damp summer and the grass areas have
been seeded. Once these have established themselves the site will be opened to
the public.
It has been a long and eventful journey since the Copse was first put on the
market in May 2008 but thanks to the determination and generosity of the local
community, supported by the Conservancy and Trust, the project is now coming to
fruition.
www.chichesterharbourtrust.org.uk
1st November
Students put thinking caps on to boost
Emsworth
Emsworth needs to make more of tourism and would benefit from
free car parking, according to the results of a business survey.
The survey was carried out by students from the
“I think they should be promoting themselves more outside the
local area.”
The students came up with a list of key focus areas which
include: lobbying Havant Borough Council to increase free cark parking to an
hour; reinstating the Emsworth Food Festival on a smaller scale; organising more
community events, including farmers’ markets; carrying out further market
research into a shop delivery service; and carrying out further surveys with
Saturday shoppers. They conducted 90 surveys, 28 of which were with
businesses and 62 with residents or visitors.
One of the overwhelming responses (81 per cent) from
businesses was for the Emsworth Food Festival to return, but on a smaller scale,
Ninety four percent of businesses agreed or strongly agreed to a need to
increase tourism, while 63 per cent of businesses said parking was a major issue
within Emsworth. Out of the businesses surveyed, 27 percent said there was
no communication between the EBA and their business. And 33 per cent said there
was a lack of events specific to their businesses. Ninety per cent of the
businesses said the events that the EBA had previously run were either good or
excellent. And a further 87 per cent agreed more community events should be run.
Some businesses surveyed expressed concerns over cycle racks
and lanes in and around Emsworth, as many residents and business owners cycle to
work. Sixty-four per cent of businesses agreed increased advertising
opportunities would increase membership to the EBA. There was a strong
feeling (from 94 per cent) that the EBA needed to increase its benefits in order
to survive.
The results revealed parking charges had a big impact on
footfall, as 75 per cent of visitors spent less than £20 per visit and so any
parking charge would be a big proportion of their spend Visitors said the
main reason for visiting Emsworth was for food shopping and the scenery.
The students presented their findings
to the Emsworth Business Association at its monthly meeting at the Brookfield
Hotel in
Chichester Observer 01-Nov-11
27th October
New bluebells in the woods
Fourteen people spent a pleasant couple of hours planting English
bluebell bulbs in Nore Barn Woods, which are about a mile west of the centre of
Emsworth. The idea is to encourage the re-growth of these native Spring
favourites in one or two of the shady clearings. The 1500 bulbs planted by the
Friends of Nore Barn Woods (FONBW) were paid for by the Tree Council supported
by the local Tree Wardens. 
Chairman Bruce Darby led the group who did their best to set the bulbs deep
enough. Later on nettles were strimmed and a field-drainage ditch cleaned out
ready for Autumn rain. Some work was carried out on the central path cutting
back brambles. The group meets once month on a Saturday morning as a working
party to maintain the woods. New members are welcome.
Bluebells are native to the woods but need encouragement to survive in this
well-used woodland environment. The group will monitor the progress of the
flowers over the next few years. The six acres of oak and hawthorn woodland is
popular with dog-walkers and joggers, while the foreshore is a birdwatchers’
paradise particularly in Autumn.
An issue being pursued by this community group is strengthening the harbour
shore of Nore Barn Woods where high tides are threatening to undermine some of
the oak trees and other parts of the woods. Such work is expensive and the group
is in talks with Havant Borough Council, who own the woods. The plan is to work
together on some remedial action as soon as possible. Any future members
can find more information at
www.norebarnwoods.org.uk
27th October
The
Official Emsworth Town Guide and Map has been Published
The 3rd edition of the town's guide
and map produced by the Emsworth Business
Association has been published and distributed to shops, restaurants, public
houses and cafes throughout Emsworth and tourist information centres in nearby
towns. Containing a whole town map and details of local
businesses, conservation areas and the town's history the Guide and Map will
prove to be a valuable source of information to visitors and residents alike.
21st October
Grim down south (A letter in The Times)
Sir, A visit to the delightful town of Emsworth in Hampshire highlighted the large pricing differential for alcohol in pubs North and South.
In my area two pints of good real ale plus a standard glass of wine costs £8.95
but in Emsworth (and probably throughout southern England) the same round was
£11.75. What is defining this differential?
Richer customers in the South? Therefore market exploitation. Higher costs in
the South? Or more price conscious customers in the North? Because I cannot
believe the price paid by licensees in the South for their beer and wine, is any
different from up here.
DAVID CU
LM
Littleover, Derbyshire
The Times 13th October 2011
18th October
A walk around Nore Barn Woods
Emsworth on a lovely October morning. Music by James Galway playing Narita's Song of the Seashore. Chris Shepheard from Farnham Surrey.
9th October
A
Lorraine Clode, chairwoman of Emsworth
Residents’ Association, has worked to secure grant funding from Southern
Railway, Hampshire County Council, and the South East of England Development
Agency.
She said: ‘It’s difficult to get funding,
but there is money out there.
‘Grants are out there but you have to put
in a lot of effort. Everybody who has been to see what we are trying to do can
see the level of community enthusiasm there is for it.’
Southern Railway is set to use its own
contractors to carry out the improvement works – with a target date for
reopening the waiting room and toilets of March next year Two community
boards have been put up by the ticket office to promote activities in Emsworth.
Mrs Clode said: ‘It’s the community
having a sense of ownership of it, certainly not having to shiver on the
platform during the winter
‘It will be a much more sociable place and a better and more representative
gateway into Emsworth.’
Mrs Clode has also teamed up with
Councillor Richard Galloway to press the rail authorities for a ramp on to the
north platform There are currently only steps – meaning disabled people
have to travel to the next station to change platform.
Mrs Clode added: ‘It’s outrageous. It’s a
real priority and has been for a long time.’
The residents’ association is pressing
for the bridge outside the station to be given a lick of paint as it is an
eyesore.
Mrs Clode said: ‘As a first impression of
Emsworth when you come out of that station, it’s pretty poor. It lets down the
rest of the work we are doing. It’s good progress and we are absolutely not
giving up. Failure is not an option.’
The News 7-Oct-11
29th September
Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre inundated with unwanted animals
The Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre has reported an unprecedented level of phone
calls from people looking to hand in their unwanted cats, kittens and rabbits.
Monique Turk, Founder of the Rescue Centre says ‘we have never known it so bad,
last week, on one single day, I was asked to take in 30 animals. I have never
known it this bad in the 25 years since we opened the Rescue’.
‘The problem is’ says Monique ‘is that we can only take in animals where we have
room for them and the simple fact is that we are being asked to take in 10 times
more than we have homes for. It has even got to the stage where we have rabbits
that have been resident here for 2 years and kittens that are now six months
old. We are struggling to cope and getting to the point where we are having to
turn animals away’. The difficult economic climate is also not helping matters
with people struggling to pay for the upkeep and care of their pets plus with an
increasingly number of people renting homes, landlords are sometimes reluctant
to allow animals in to rented accommodation.’
‘Our biggest problem is that rabbits are being purchased from pet shops and
breeders on a whim and then the children get bored of cleaning them out so the
parents give them up to us for adoption. When it comes to cats, our biggest
challenge is people’s reluctance to neuter then which leads to unwanted
litters.’
Monique would like to appeal to locals to ‘think rescue if they are considering
getting a cat, kitten or rabbit. All our cats and rabbits come vaccinated and
spayed’. Monique said ‘if we get more people to consider rescuing from us or
encourage their friends and family to do so, then we can free up more spaces for
unwanted animals. We have rabbits, cats and kittens of all shapes, size and
age.’
Every Sunday between 2.00pm and 3.30pm we run a rabbit and guinea pig open day.
If interested in a cat or kitten, you must ring The Centre first on 01243
641409. Please contact the Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre or go on to the website
www.crrc.co.uk for more information,
24th September
Emsworth to feature in a
Worldwide Photographic event.
A group of photographers will be meeting in Emsworth on Oct 2nd to take part in
a Worldwide Photographic Event.
This is an annual event whereby photographers from all around the world meet on
the same day for 2 hours to record a snapshot of what’s happening around them.
This year is the fourth annual event and over 1100 cities and 22,100
photographers will be taking part to document their own part of the world. The
number of venues and photographers taking part is still rising
This is the first year Emsworth has been featured and the meeting is open to any
photographers, beginners, amateurs or professionals who would like to take part
in this super day. There will be much free help and advice on the day.
There will be a prize for the best photograph on the day and the winning shot
will be entered into a worldwide competition.
More at:
http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/emsworth-england-united-kingdom-by-the-promenade/
16th September
The
The Sussex Brewery is looking for people to share
our land at the back of the Pub as Part of the UK's landshare Scheme.
Landshare brings together people who have a passion for home-grown food,
connecting those who have land to share with those who need land for cultivating
food. Since it's launch through River Cottage in 2009 it has grown into a
thriving community of more than 55,000 growers, sharers & helpers.
It's for people who:
Want
to grow veg but don't have anywhere to do it
Have
a spare bit of land they're prepared to share
Can
help in some way - from sharing knowledge and lending tools to helping out on
the plot itself
Are
already growing and want to join in the community
It began with a tiny seed of an idea - and it's growing and growing. This
is your chance to take part. Want to know more? Call Philip on 07974
034654
10th September
STUDENTS hit the streets of Emsworth to find
out what visitors think of the town and what can be done to help business boom.
Enterprising Emsworth
– On Tuesday morning, 6th September six students from The Peter Jones Business
Academy set out to work to identify the key factors that make Emsworth a
successful town. By interviewing
residents, businesses and businesses they intend to suggest strategies that will
help to promote Emsworth as an excellent location to do business, visit and
shop.
He survey
organised jointly by the Emsworth Business Association and
Carol
Haskett, Chairman of the Emsworth Business Association, is of the view that,
“It is vitally important that businesses promote not only themselves but also
the place in which their workplace is situated, more so in the current economic
climate.” It is anticipated that the work of the students from
The
students all of whom are studying for a BTec level 3 qualification returned on
Tuesday to complete their work and will report their initial findings to the
Association in October.
1st September
EMSWORTH’S
“
So what you may ask? It is all a long time ago.
Wodehouse was persuaded to
visit Emsworth by a fellow aspiring writer, at a time when the desire to make
his living as a writer was just about to be realised. In 1904 Wodehouse
moved to Emsworth to stay at
In 1914 Wodehouse sailed to
His regular visits to Emsworth ceased in 1929 when Baldwin
King-Hall died, but he maintained his contact with Lilian until she died in
1974, and he died in 1975.
His stay in Emsworth coincided with the beginnings of his
flourishing career, and many of the names of people he met here at that time are
used for his characters, and also the place names. His Blandings stories
are based around Lord Emsworth and his family name of Threepwood. Who can
tell how many of his storylines began as a nugget of gossip heard in a local pub
or shop. “Damsel in Distress” has a very good description of Emsworth at
the beginning of Chapter 7.
This year in collaboration with Emsworth Museum, The Brookfield Hotel are
hosting a weekend devoted to P.G. Wodehouse from 29th
– 31st
October, when the world’s leading experts on the life and work of Wodehouse will
talk and guide the guests around the world of Wodehouse and the influence of
Emsworth on his work.
The booklet “Emsworth’s
31st August
The Emsworth Show 2011
Following a successful appeal for new volunteers earlier this
year brought out the crowds for the biggest Emsworth Show ever.
An estimated 6,000 people turned up to
Sunday’s event at the Jubilee Recreation Ground, off
Opened by The Mayor of Havant Cllr Ken Smith, there was
something for everyone from pony rides, falconry and dog shows, to arts and
crafts, face painting, bouncy castle, clog dancing, Chichester Model Engineers’
live steam railway and music from a local steel band. Additional excitement was
provided by a European Eagle Owl making an unscheduled landing in amongst the
crowd (Photo by Liz Mannering), quickly retrieved by its handler the display
continued seamlessly!
As usual the Exhibition marquee was packed with entries in
over 100 classes with some amazing entries from young and old alike.
31st August
Emsworth pub customers and staff join forces to conquer Snowdon
Sally Taylor, 32, who runs The Lord Raglan, in Emsworth, with her partner Peter Mahoney, was moved to undertake the challenge after seeing first-hand how devastating strokes can be.
Sally’s mother-in-law, Brenda Mahoney, is in a nursing home following a life-changing stroke two years ago. She is unable to communicate with her family. At 69 she is the youngest person at the home.
Sally scaled Mount Snowdon with five female members of staff in just over five hours and managed to raise £850 for Emsworth Stroke Club.
She said: “My mother-in-law had a stroke about two years ago but managed to recover surprisingly quickly. As a celebration she and my father-in-law David went to Cyprus for a month.”
“The day after she came back she had a major stroke which was devastating. We do not know if she knows we are there when we visit but she gets very upset when we take our daughter Layla-Rose. David visits her every single day and feeds her, reads to her and just keeps her company. It’s so sad because this is a time when she should be enjoying her first grandchild.”
“The Emsworth Stroke Club is a very small charity. It does amazing things for both stroke victims and their families. Any stroke charity club or association always gets 100 per cent support from us as it’s a cause close to our hearts. We have managed to raise £850 for them, just from the regulars in the pub who have been so generous. As this club is run by volunteers and they visit stroke victims in their homes or care homes, the money will hopefully help towards a vehicle and possibly travel expenses”
Sally was joined on the climb last month by barmaids Gemma Mullin, Belynda Jay and Sharon Mac and pub customers Jacqui Rogers and Karen Allaway.
They were told it was too wet and windy to climb but they persisted and on the way down they enjoyed beautiful sunshine.
Emsworth Stroke Club meets at the Emsworth Centre, South Street, every Thursday between 2pm and 4pm.
The News 30-Sept-11
26th August
ENTERPRISING EMSWORTH: Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Chichester College
has tomorrow’s young entrepreneurs help identify Emsworth’s business potential
Chichester College met with the Emsworth
Business Association recently to identify how they can help improve Emsworth’s
competitiveness and increase visitor numbers. The new Enterprise Academy offers
an exciting new course that helps students set up their own businesses whilst
studying a Level 3 BTEC in just 1 year. ‘Enterprising
Emsworth’ is a fantastic opportunity to put entrepreneurial skills to good use
within the local community.
Tara Lovejoy, business enterprise manager, coincidently an Emsworth resident,
and course leader, Sandy Hood, will be developing a strategy to identify how
Emsworth can promote itself as an excellent place to live, visit and conduct
business. The Academy’s new entrepreneurs will be carrying out surveys and
interviews with local businesses, visitors and residents to find out what they
think about Emsworth’s potential on Tuesday 6 th and Wednesday 7 th September
2011.
Tara Lovejoy said: “This is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to
benefit from creative ideas and identify how Emsworth can become more
competitive in the long term. Emsworth is a fantastic place to live, and as a
resident I would strongly like to retain and build upon its character in a
positive way for the community. This is an exciting real-life project where our
students can apply their entrepreneurial skills towards an important community
project over the coming year”.
Emsworth is a vibrant small town with many family run specialist retail shops, a
thriving ‘food’ economy exemplified by the many successful restaurants, cafes
and public houses as well as a range of service and manufacturing businesses.
Recognised as a successful 'Home Town' in a national survey oftowns and cities
carried out by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) in 2006, Emsworth came 6th in
the list of independent and distinctive towns. Many residents can remember
the negative impact
the closure of the RAF base on Thorney Island in the 1980s had on the town at
the time. It is surprising that today, judging by the lack of empty retail
units, that the town’s economy appears to be thriving in the current difficult
economic climate. The Emsworth Business Association is intent on keeping it that
way.
The outcomes of the ‘Enterprising Emsworth’ project will not
be known until later in the year, but until then the Emsworth Business
Association will continue to support the town by. Amongst other things,
supporting the Emsworth Horticultural Show and organising the annual
Christmas Celebrations, this year to be held on Friday 2nd December in the
Square.
Carol Haskett, Chairman of the Emsworth Business Association, is of the view
that, “It is vitally important that businesses promote not only themselves
but also the place in which their workplace is situated, more so in the current
economic climate.” It is anticipated that the work of the students from
Chichester College will provide invaluable help in developing the association’s
aims of supporting businesses and promoting Emsworth.
25th August
Barbara Crick, from Emsworth, is starting up a cookery school in her own home.
Making rock cakes with ‘nana’ has led to a life-long love of cookery for Barbara
Crick.
As a child she liked nothing better than helping her
grandmother with the baking and learning all about the ingredients. And
now she is a wife and mum, shes inviting people into her own kitchen to pass on
her knowledge and skills.
Barbara is running a series of cookery courses in her
Emsworth home with the aim of earning some money and encouraging people to cook
with confidence in their own kitchens. She says: The idea is for people to come
away with skills, ideas, recipes and a bit more confidence so they can enjoy
cooking for family and friends. We’ll use equipment that they might already have
or can aspire to have in their own kitchens.’
Course titles include University Food Survival, First Steps
in Preserving, Lunch Club, Cake Baking and Autumnal Afternoon Tea. For children
there’s, among others, Pre-school Cookery, Fun with Finger Food, Half-term Young
Chefs and Bonfire Night Spectacular.
The courses are of varying lengths – from an hour and a half
for the youngest cooks through to lunchtime, evening, day and weekend
courses. Some involve cooking as a group and sitting down to enjoy a meal, while
others allow participants to prepare dishes to take home. Ingredients and
equipment are provided.
Barbara believes the home is a great learning environment for
budding cooks. And she’ll be going through all the basics, as well as the
science of cooking. She says: ‘I’m keen to get across different knife skills and
little things like chopping an onion without it making you cry. But I also want
to talk about the science, why things happen, the use of raising agents. Baking
has to be very exact and I want people to appreciate that and have the
confidence in what they’re doing.’
Barbara’s nana didn’t just
get her to help when she was a little girl, she encouraged her to learn about
the ingredients and memorise them. Barbara has loved cooking ever since and has
achieved several diplomas and qualifications, including the Cordon Vert Diploma
from the Vegetarian Society and a
·
To find out more, visit
www.emsworthcookeryschool.co.uk. But in
the mean time, here’s Barbara’s rock cake recipe.
Nana’s Rock Cakes
Makes eight to 12 cakes depending on how large you like them!
Ingredients
225g plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder
115g butter, softened
85g caster sugar
115g raisins
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp golden granulated sugar (optional)
Method
1.Turn oven on to 200C/fan 180°C and prepare a baking tray by greasing and
lining it.
2.Rub the flour into the softened butter until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3.Stir in the sugar and raisins.
4.Add the egg and milk to the mix and combine well.
5.Create eight to 12 heaps with the mixture on a baking tray. Top with a little
golden granulated sugar (if using).
6.Cook for 15-20 minutes.
The News
23rd August
BUZ - Emsworth’s New Youth Club
There’s definitely a BUZ in the air - especially between 7.00
and 9.00 on Friday evenings - in Emsworth. This
is when the new youth club meets at the Community Centre behind the fire station
in
BUZ is available to all young people in school years 9, 10
and 11 (roughly aged 14 – 16) for just £1 per evening. It meets
weekly throughout the year except at Christmas. If you would
like further information, please email
buzyouthclub@live.co.uk or
telephone Pete Abrahams on 07788 471616.
We are looking for adult volunteers to help at BUZ – no
experience is necessary and CRB checks will be arranged.
If you would like to know more, please phone Pete Abrahams.
8th August
Dragon Boat Racing Returns to
Emsworth
After a gap of seven
years Dragon Boat racing returned to Emsworth. Eleven teams from Emsworth
competed on the Mill Pond to claim the
title of Dragon Boat champions.
The
eleven teams from pubs, a care home, a dentist and a veterinary surgery watched
by a crowd of several hundred people around the Mill Pond raced each other on
Sunday. The teams entered were:
Emsworth
Sailing Club
Dragons Den-tists
The Blue
The Blue
Downland Destroyers
Sooty Dragons (The Coal Exchange
Kings Court Crusaders
Lloyds Sailors
Spring a Leak
The
The Lord Raglan
 |
Emsworth
Sailing Club was victorious with a time of 1min 20sec, followed closely by the
Blue Bell Pirates in second place and Sooty Dragons in third from the Coal
Exchange. The event
saw teams compete over a distance of 250m in the 40ft boats. Each team had three
races and the three teams with the best times went through to the final won by
Emsworth Sailing Club. |
|
|
5th August
On Monday evening the officers and men of 47Regt RA gave an informative, thought provoking and at times amusing presentation of their several tours in Afghanistan to an audience of about sixty residents at the Brookfield Hotel.
We learnt how largely in the role of supporting other units using their several types of UAVs (Unmanned aerial vehicles) they were able to identify insurgents, suspect vehicles and IEDs on the ground as well as providing aerial photos to assist in planning operations and assessing damage inflicted on the insurgents. Great emphasis was placed on how this real time aerial imagery assisted during actual operations particularly by accurate target identification and thus avoiding collateral damage and preventing injury to civilians.
A lighter picture of life in Afghanistan was provided with a description of daily life at a Forward Operating Post which included an illustrated description of the cooking, showering and latrine facilities - Heath Robinson but effective!
The audience was relived to learn that all members of the regiment survived their tour of duty and had returned safely to the UK.
Clr. Brendan Gibb-Gray proposed a vote of thanks to the regiment for giving such an interesting talk, thanked Amanda Thomas and the Brookfield Hotel for their providing a venue at no charge and reminded the audience that all of the proceeds of the evening would be donated to the Royal Artillery charities.
For those unable to attend this presentation another is planned for Thursday 17th November -same time and place.
4th August
Two kayakers had to be rescued after becoming
trapped in thick mud off the Hampshire coast.
Hayling and Portsmouth coastguard rescue teams pulled the pair out of the mud close to Emsworth.
They got into difficulty on Wednesday evening after climbing out of their kayaks on to the mudflats when the ebbing tide left them stranded.
A spokesman for the coastguard said they were brought safely ashore and needed no medical attention.
2nd August
Independent Age are looking for Volunteers in Emsworth
Independent Age (www.independentage.org.uk)
is a support network for older people on very low incomes living in the UK and
Ireland. We offer information and advice, practical help and
emergency financial aid through our dedicated network of staff and volunteers
across the country and, just as importantly, we offer friendship and the chance
to socialise to those who are lonely and isolated. Our befriending service
is supported by a team of Volunteer Visitors who operate in every corner of the
UK and Ireland but, we are always looking for volunteers to support our members
and we are currently looking for one in Emsworth.
This role involves anything from dropping in on an older person for a coffee and a chat, checking that someone is alright or arranging a trip to the local shops. Some of the older people we help need more support, others less so. As a Volunteer Visitor you’ll be matched with an older person living near you and you can fit your visits around your other commitments and responsibilities. Visiting can be a source of satisfaction, enjoyment and fun – for the volunteer as well as the person being visited. Many of the older people we support have life experiences and histories that can fascinate and enthral. An hour or two can fly by. We’ll never ask more than you can give. You’ll know that you can fit your volunteering around the rest of your life but you’ll see the results first hand – in welcoming smiles, laughter and gratitude.
If you can help please contact
Jane O’Kelly
E.
Jane.O'Kelly2@independentage.org.uk T.01264
362872
M. 07525 767 5111. PO Box 1896 Andove Hampshire SP10 9BR
1st August
Bishop celebrates church’s restoration after blaze drama
SEVEN months after it was badly damaged by fire, a church in Warblington has reopened.
The Right Rev Christopher Foster and the Rev Simon Sayers
outside St Thomas a Becket church at its rededication yesterday
And the Bishop of Portsmouth was on
hand to see the work that has been done in the £300,000 restoration. More than
100 people gathered at
In January, the church interior was left caked in smoke and
soot after a fire took hold of a wooden pew. It was only the quick-thinking of
farmer Henry Young that saved the Saxon church. He was milking cows nearby and
noticed they were unsettled before he spotted a glow coming from the church. Mr
Young called the fire brigade and the blaze – caused by an electrical fault in
the underfloor heating system – was out within half an hour.
Bishop Christopher Foster rededicated the church and said he
was impressed with the restoration work. He said: ‘It’s marvellous to be able to
celebrate with the congregation and parish of Warblington.
‘This beautiful church has always held a special place in the
affections of not only the people of Warblington, but the wider area and
visitors. It’s a place hallowed by a thousand years of prayer.’
The restoration involved painting every surface of the
interior with liquid latex. It was then peeled away to remove the smoke damage.
Most of the 800 pipes in the organ had to be removed for cleaning.
Rob Butler, from restoration firm Continuity, said: ‘We are
pleased and the turnaround was quick as you would normally be looking at about
nine to 10 months for this kind of fire.’
Churchwarden Phoebe Eberle was given
a round of applause and a gift to honour her work in the restoration. Theresa
Saunders, who travelled from
Jane Mansell, 80, from Emsworth, said: ‘It’s wonderful. It’s
very tragic, but in fact the fire has renewed it.’
Emsworth Councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray said: ‘It makes it look
even more beautiful.’
The News 01-Aug-11
21st July
Jenny’s Charity Cycle Ride
On August 20th Jenny Beale, daughter of the
late Martin Beale who was a founder member of the Conservancy and a great lover
of Chichester Harbour, is leaving Galway on the west coast of Ireland to cycle
to Chichester Harbour.
Jenny says: “This is a personal journey, not only to mark
my 60th birthday, but to connect two places and landscapes that I treasure – my
childhood home on the shores of Chichester Harbour and my current home on the
west coast of Ireland – and to support charities associated with each place, the
Chichester Harbour Trust and Brigit’s Garden.”
The journey is also to celebrate a historical connection between the two places.
Jenny is following in the steps of Irish monks who founded a small monastery in
Bosham in the 7th Century. Coincidentally, the monks probably came from the
Galway area, and taught the early Sussex saint, St Cuthman, who was supposed to
have been born on the Beale family farm at Cobnor. St Cuthman famously took his
ailing mother in a wheelbarrow and walked over the Downs to found the first
church at Steyning.
The last day of the cycle on September 4th will be St Cuthman’s route in
reverse, from Steyning to Bosham.
Jenny extends a warm invitation to everyone to support her cycle and chosen
charities by:
• Sponsoring Jenny and supporting the Chichester Harbour Trust online at
www.justgiving.com/jennys-charity-cycle
• Joining Jenny on the ride for a few hours or a few days, or for the last few
miles into Bosham on September 4th.
For further information contact Jenny at
jennybeale13@gmail.com
353 87 2206219
or James Davis, the Administrator, Chichester Harbour Trust – 01243 777632
18th July
Emsworth roadshow will offer help
INFORMATION on how elderly people can stay independent will be offered at a roadshow. Officials from the NHS and council will be in The Square, Emsworth, on Thursday offering advice on dementia and meals on wheels.
The event, which runs from 10am to 3pm, has been organised by Havant’s Older Person’s Wellbeing Partnership, made up of a range of organisations including the council, Age Concern and the Good Neighbours scheme. The roadshow is also an opportunity for residents to tell the partnership what services and activities they want and need in the future.
To find out more call Havant Borough Council on (023) 9244 6019.
The News
18-July-11
13th July
Can You Help?
Carol Godfrey is tracing back her ancestry and this has lead to a Win and Harry RANDALL who married in Wells and had lived in Emsworth in the 1960’s. He Shs aware they had a daughter Janice who she believes married an Allan GUNN.
If Janice wishes to make contact and assist Caro; with her family tree please contact her via e-mail kcguk@btinternet.com . Carol's mother was Margaret ILES (nee SMALL)
Can you Help?
13th July
Views sought on Emsworth and East Head flood protection
The Environment Agency (EA) wants to
hear residentsâ views on major new plans to protect hundreds of homes between
Emsworth and East Head in
The aim is to strengthen the
coastline where needed at
Chairman of Emsworth Flood Action Group Chris Clode said:
“Any money that can be provided is very welcome. Indeed it is bound to benefit
those people in the properties affected, particularly around the East Head
area.â€
Andrew Gilham, area flood and coastal risk manager for the
EA, 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 all our coastline, including this stretch.
“We cannot prevent all flooding and erosion but local
knowledge and input from communities, as well as other organisations, is
important in helping us investigate the best way to manage these risks.â€
The Emsworth to East Head Flood and
Coastal Risk Management Strategy forms the eastern frontage of
During the summer, the EA will contact local parish councils
and landowners to discuss the flood and erosion risks in the area.
Feedback received will be used to help identify what
potential flood and coastal risk management options should be considered.
When the potential management options have been identified,
public exhibitions will be held to present the draft options to the community
and to invite further comments for consideration in defining draft strategy
recommendations.
Works on flood defences in
Communities are encouraged to find
out more about the strategy by visiting
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/129683.aspx and
further information about the North Solent
For more general information on how to prepare for flooding
and the latest flood warnings in force visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk or
ring Floodline on 08459 881188.
Â
A flood fair is taking place on July
25 at the Mountford Rooms at the Emsworth Community Association building behind
the
Chichester Observer
5th July
Added to the group's four existing hardware stores in
Alton, Emsworth, Romsey and Rowlands Castle are the Petworth, Billingshurst and
Midhurst branches of Austen's Home Hardware, the sale of which was driven by the
owner's imminent retirement.
Because of Austen's strong identity in West Sussex (the Petworth store will be
celebrating its 200th anniversary next year) the group will retain its name at
all three branches.
In a joint statement, group managing directors Adrian Winnicott and David Wagg
described Austen's as providing "the ideal opportunity. It offered a very
similar business to our own, with excellent staff and customer loyalty, one big
additional benefit being the close relationship shared by both companies in
purchasing stock from Home Hardware."
Meanwhile, Austen's owner Philip Neve commented: "I'm
delighted the business has been bought by a family-run business with
like-minded ideas. I've been in the hardware business for 44 years - all my
working life - and now that I'm approaching the retirement age, I was keen
to secure continuity for my 33 full and part-time staff."
Martin Elliott, managing director of Home Hardware Southwest, said that Neve
had been a loyal member of Home Hardware for many years and wished him and
his wife a happy, healthy retirement.
Source:
hosewareslive.bet
29th June
Free advice for Hampshire gardeners
NATURE lovers interested in attracting bees and butterflies to their gardens can take part in an event raising awareness of pollinating insects.
Havant Garden Centre is hosting a Bee and Butterfly Festival from July 16 until July 31 to promote how important the insects are to the environment.
Gaynor Adamson, manager of Havant Garden Centre, in Bartons Road said: ‘Bees and butterflies are gardeners’ friends so we will be helping our visitors learn how to encourage these friendly insects into their gardens.
‘They are very important to gardeners because they feed on flower nectar and, as they feed, they transfer pollen on their bodies and legs.’
The News
30-Jun-11
29th June
Independents’ Day 2011 - your high street
needs you!
On
Skillsmart Retail and
the
Fresh data from Local Data Company’s
surveys of 2,700
Anne Seaman, Chief
Executive of Skillsmart Retail said: “We are delighted to lead this campaign and
support small retailers. Raising awareness amongst the public is one of the
biggest challenges smaller retailers face and our message is about encouraging
the public to use their local high street and understand how important a diverse
retail sector is.
It’s also essential that
local retailers understand that to compete today they need to be top of their
game. The time for sitting back has passed and action is required: Your high
street needs you!”
28th June
Work to lay a protective membrane and cover it with topsoil has been making good
progress at Maybush Copse.
This additional
covering which will be seeded with grass is required to protect visitors to the
site from contact with the raised levels of harmful chemicals that were
identified there. Traces of arsenic and lead were found – a legacy from the
1950s when the site was used as a rubbish dump – and the membrane and soil
covering will ensure that these traces of chemical remain buried.
A further hazard
of broken glass was also identified and the membrane and topsoil will also
provide effective protection from that.
Meanwhile a new
kissing gate has been installed as a further step towards opening the site to
the public later in the year.
Source: Chichester Harbour Trust
28th June
Last Chance To Represent Havant At The
2012 Games
Havant Borough Council is encouraging residents in
the borough to get involved with the London 2012 Olympics and nominate
themselves or a friend to become an official torchbearer for the games.
Nominations close on Wednesday (29 June) and need to be submitted via the
www.london2012.com website. Nominees should include a statement of around 150
words explaining why they are putting themselves or someone else forward.
With many successful sporting clubs in the borough this could be the moment for
a team member, friend or colleague to shine!
Havant Borough Council’s Sports Development Officer, Richard Wood says: “It’s a
once in a lifetime opportunity to be a torchbearer for an Olympic Games. I’m
sure there are many people in the borough who would love to put themselves or
someone else forward for this honour. It would be fantastic if one of our
residents is lucky enough to be able to represent our local community at such a
high profile event”.
Source: portsmouthnews.tv
20th June
Several
hundred people gathered in the Square at
A short service was conducted by the
Rev. Simon Sayers which included readings by serving men and women together with
veterans and Eloise Bryant from
At the conclusion of the service, after
the last post, a minutes silence and the reading of the Kohima Epigram by Doug
Bell the Mayor of Havant, Clr. Ken
Smith, made a short speech before handing the flag to the RN flag hoisting party
from HMS Excellent/HMS Bristol Training Ship.
The National Anthem
was sung and after Lt Cdr Tony Crisp had sounded The Carry On the parade was
dismissed. Many of those present then enjoyed the hospitality provided by
Abdul Ahad the owner of
Read the article in The News HERE
17th June
As people all over the world gather to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a remarkable boat will set sail on its maiden voyage. The boat, crafted by a fearlessly adventurous team of boat builders and volunteers will be made from the lives and memories of people across the South East.
"We'd like your wood - but not just any old wood. Whether it's a pencil or a piano, extraordinary or mundane, we want something that's a part of you, something with a story to tell. Come and tell us that story - your donated wood will be used along with donations from thousands of others to build this unique 30ft sailing boat, a living archive of our lives."
Drop in, meet the boat-building team, make your donation and discover other ways you can help with the project. We can't wait to meet you."
The Boat Project is part of Artists Taking the Lead, a series of 12 public art commissions across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The Boat Project is the winning commission for the South East region and is funded by Arts Council England.
There are just days left to donate and
we still need many more donations! We're receiving donations until July 30 and
are open at the boat shed every Saturday between 1-7pm. If you have a
wooden donations of any shape and size which have a story to tell please come
along and donate , We are currently looking for long pieces (over 3 metres long)
as a matter of priority as they are needed for the hog of this amazing racing
yacht.
16th June
Countdown To The Olympic Games In Emsworth
On the 23rd July 2011 the Mayor of Havant, Councillor Ken Smith and selected local dignitaries and sporting professionals, will mark the one year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games, by opening FitBeat to the general public at Emsworth Recreation Ground.
Hosted by Innovations Fitness, the region’s up and coming fitness brand, and supported by Havant Borough Council, FitBeat is a sporting extravaganza, aimed at encouraging people of all ages to get active and have some fun.
Activities will include It’s A Knock Out Competition, bootcamp sessions provided by Innovations Fitness, Judo by Southern Judokan, dance lesson by Gem’s Dance School, Yoga by Kathryn, Zumba, and much more.
Owner of Innovations Fitness, George ‘Topsy’ Turner said;
“We are delighted that the Mayor of Havant will be coming to open FitBeat on this huge day of celebration. FitBeat is all about bringing the community together to enjoy a day of fun and activities and what better way to start proceedings!”
In addition to marking the one year countdown to the Olympics, FitBeat will be donating all proceeds to Wessex Heartbeat. Founded in 1992, Wessex Heartbeat is dedicated to supporting those affected by heart disease. The charity helps make a real difference to the care of the 20,000 patients treated at the Cardiac Centre annually, including 1,000 babies and children born with heart defects.
D’Arcy Myers, Wessex Heartbeat Chief Executive said;
“We are very grateful to FitBeat for organising such a fantastic event in aid of Wessex Heartbeat. Being active really helps prevent future problems with heart health and this event is an ideal way to get moving with lots of different activities to choose from. It is thanks to the generosity of the community that we can continue to support people living with heart conditions and improve services for them. Anyone can have a heart condition – a loved one, a friend, a neighbour, a colleague – at any time in their lives. Help us help them, so they receive the best possible care.”
Source: portsmouthnews.tv
14th June
MPs and industry bosses learned about the village of Westbourne's efforts to tackle climate change yesterday.
The village's Greening Campaign was one of seven Greening groups from around the country picked to take part in a presentation in the House of Commons.
As well as local MPs, representatives from energy conservation companies and environment groups attended. Westbourne Greening Campaign committee members Colin Carre, Richard Hitchcock and John Millard were on hand at the event to explain how villagers had supported the battle against climate change. Colin, chair of the group, said: "Villagers have joined in the campaign pretty impressively. They've made pledges to save energy at home, and they've attended fun events like our green fair in their hundreds.
Our annual Christmas tree recycling event in the village
square has become very popular too. Our current drive is to get people to make
sure their cavity walls and lofts are properly insulated. Most people in the
village know about us and support the idea of acting as a local community to
help tackle this urgent global problem.
"Yesterday it was good to join other groups working towards the same goal,
and have a chance to show influential people what local communities can do."
Yesterday's event was hosted by Steve Brine, MP for Winchester, and Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, and addressed by Mr Brine and Gregory Barker, minister of state in the Energy and Climate Change department. The meeting also heard from Petersfield environmentalist Terena Plowwright, founder of the national Greening Campaign, who has seen around 200 groups spring up nationwide. Pic - Greening Westbourne campaigners Colin Carre (left) and Richard Hitchcock at Parliament
14th June
| Bicycles Taken In Emsworth Burglary |
|
Police are appealing for information
following a burglary in Wickor Way overnight between Thursday, June 9
and Friday, June 10, where four high value racing bicycles were taken.
Between 11pm and 10am someone has gained entry to a padlocked garage to the side of a property in the road. They have stolen the following bikes:
PC Chris Hudson said: "These are very expensive, very distinctive cycles, and I would ask anyone with information as to their whereabouts to contact police as soon as possible. It may be that the owner has been specifically targeted due to the high value of the bikes, but I would urge all residents of Emsworth to keep ensuring that all property is locked and secure at all times." Anyone with information should contact Havant police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. |
Source: portsmouthnews.tv
11th June
EBA CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS
OF THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT CARD SCHEME RUN BY THE CO-OP IN
EMSWORTH
The Emsworth Business
Association has been chosen as one of
the organisations to benefit from the Community Card Schemes
in Emsworth for June 2011-2012. The other organisation is
the Emsworth Pastoral Centre.
This is
fantastic news and we ask that everyone gets a card and uses
it every time you shop in Emsworth Co-op. The total amount
that potentially could be raised for the EBA through the
scheme is £10,000. Fund raising began on 9th June
2011 and end date is 8 June 2012. Ask at the Emsworth Co-op
for your card to get this rolling.
A launch event is in the process of being
organised. We as an association will promote the card scheme
at every opportunity and will be visible outside the Co-op
on various Saturdays .throughout the time.
The aim is to raise
a significant amount to benefit the EBA/ Pastoral Centre and
subsequently the local community of Emsworth.
10th June
Armed Forces Day and Flying a Flag for our Armed Forces in
Emsworth on Monday 20 June 2011
Saturday 25th
June marks the third Armed Forces Day. The Day will be an occasion for the whole
nation to honour
the outstanding contribution made by those who serve or have served in Her
Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Local authorities are once
again being encouraged to show their support for the men and women of our Armed
Forces, past present and future and ‘Fly a
Flag’ to honour our Armed Forces on Monday 20 June.
The intention is that this ceremony will be repeated across the country and that
the flags will be flown until after Armed Forces Day itself on Saturday 25th
June.
Havant Borough Council is giving the flag raising its full
support and this year plans are in place to hoist the flag on the flagpole at
The Square, Emsworth. Representatives from our armed forces, the Royal
British Legion, veterans, schools and various other groups and organisations
will be invited to send representatives to attend.
A short service will be
held prior to the flag hoisting and we would like to invite you to attend.
The service will
commence at 10.00 am. If you need to access car parking in Emsworth,
please be aware that road closures will be in place from 9.45 am until after the
ceremony.
The owner of Spice
Village, has kindly agreed to provide the use of their restaurant and toilet
facilities and refreshments will also be provided here after the ceremony.
For more information please e-mail the Mayors Secretary: anne.thurlow@havant.gov.uk or call 02392 446152.
June10th
Residents on mission to stop hospital
demolition
The fight is on to save two historic hospitals from the
bulldozers.
The 
sale will be poured back into the new state-of-the-art Oak Park Community Clinic
in Havant, which will provide outpatient and diagnostics and is due to open by
autumn next year. But residents are now worried about the fate of the
buildings, which could be sold to developers.
Pete Walden, chairman of Havant Over-50s forum, said: ‘People
are against pulling the building down.
‘It would be an insult to the people of Havant who paid for
the hospital.’
The group is applying for listed status, which would prevent
demolition.
The Cottage Hospital in Emsworth is 114 years old.
Chairwoman of Emsworth Residents’ Association Lorraine Clode
said: ‘We would be very resistant to it being demolished or used for anything
other than a medical facility.’
Officials at NHS Hampshire said they were open to saving some
of the period features, but there were no convenants preventing demolition.
Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire,
said: ‘Both Havant War Memorial Hospital and Emsworth Cottage Hospital will be
sold at some point in the future as part of our exciting plans to improve
healthcare services.
‘We know that
‘There are also some nursery rhyme tiles in the hospital and we are in discussions with local people to try and find a suitable home for one of the panel
The News 02-Jun-11
3rd June
The accident happened in
A spokeswoman for Network Rail said some trains have
been diverted and some may be a few minutes late but at the moment the bridge
appears to be undamaged and it will not cause any major problems. She added
that an engineer was en route to the bridge.
3rd June
Money left over from
food festival funds youth club
YOUNG people in
Emsworth have a new youth club thanks to the people behind the town’s food
festival.
Emsworth Food Festival was a
huge success with tens of thousands of people descending on the town for the
annual event. But it got too big to
be able to run safely and the last one took place in 2007. The funds left
over were poured into a community trust which has been used to set up a youth
club targeted at pupils in years 10 and 11 from local schools which opens
Friday. Lulu Bowerman is a former
director of the food festival and a member of the Community Trust, one of the
organisations behind the new youth club which has been two years in the
planning.
She said: ‘There is another
youth club but that only goes up to year nine.
‘We did a lot of work with
young people in Emsworth and discovered that if you were 14 or over, and you
either sailed or had the money to do other activities there wasn’t much to do
around here.
‘We have a fantastic team on
board and a really great programme of activities in the summer.
‘What we want to do is get
them outdoors. So perhaps they will go kayaking, or maybe camping.
‘The aim is to get them
involved in community events like
‘And there is going to be so
much happening next year during the Olympics – there will be lots of
opportunities for them to get involved in projects.’
Enough money has been put
into the project to keep it running for two years.
Other organisations which have helped
set up the youth club are Emsworth Community Association and Havant Borough
Council’s community development team.
It will be run by the charity Youth Options which has had significant
success in supporting, developing and engaging young people.
Mrs Bowerman added: ‘We hope
that the club will go from strength to strength.’
The club will be every
Friday from
It is hoped it will be well
used by local youngsters and there will be a good turnout for Friday’s opening.
1st June
An important community transport scheme in Emsworth is fighting for more recognition to ensure its survival.
Ems Valley Community Transport which provides low-cost transport for its members for hospital visits, and doctor’s appointments, has suffered funding cuts and is in need of more drivers to help it keep going.
The organisation which is 15 years old, is run by volunteers for people who are unable to use public transport because of a disability.
Chairman Heather Evans said it was in need of younger volunteers, and someone who could help computerise its paper records as it has been given a grant for computer equipment.
The group has in recent years had to pay for CRB checks on its drivers, deal with rises in petrol prices, produce health and safety policies and struggle to gain funding for its running costs.
The organisation covers the areas of Chidham, Emsworth, Forestside, Hambrook, Nutbourne, Southbourne, and Westbourne.
Before you can book a trip you have to become a member by paying a one-off £10 joining fee.
To arrange a home visit call 01243 375412.
Chichester Observer 01-Jun-11
1st June
It’s a Knock Out is coming to Emsworth
Organised by FitBeat It's a Knock Out will be held on July 23rd 2011 in Emsworth Revreation Ground to mark the one year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games. The whole community is invited to enjoy the day, but if you want to be at the centre of the action, then sign up for the It’s a Knock Competition which will be held in the main arena throughout the day.
By signing up, competitors will be donating directly to the charity, Wessex
Heartbeat. So what better reason to sign up than having fun whilst
supporting one of the region’s foremost heart charities? Fun and fitness for FitBeat’s
So, what sort of games can you expect to see? Well from human table
football to basketball, giant stepping stones to inflatable volley ball,
space hopper grand national and sumo stampede – the silliness will go on all
afternoon until one team is victorious, winning the FitBeat It’s a Knock Out
Champion’s trophy and prizes. Of course everyone participating will receive
a special prize….and there’s always next year to try your hand at winning
the big trophy! How to enter It’s a Knock Out.
Entrance for teams is £50 and all team members must be over 18 years of age. The team must have 5 players, all ready to have a lot of fun in the name of charity! Teams wishing to sign up for It’s a Knock Out should complete the application form and return it to info@fitbeat.co.uk or fax 01243 699371
31st May
Help To Shape The Future Of Havant
Two draft supplementary
planning documents have been prepared which expand on the Local Development
Framework Core Strategy, which was adopted by Havant Borough Council in March
2011.
The council would like to
invite the local community to get involved and help shape these two important
documents with a public consultation on both documents being held until
The other document sets out the policy basis for the
collection of developer contributions in the borough. Where new or improved
infrastructure is essential for planning permission to be granted, the council
will require on-site or off-site provision and/or contributions through planning
obligations, agreements or tariffs. The ‘Developer Contribution’ document will
provide the detailed justification and cost for developer contributions.
When adopted, both of these documents will form part of
Havant Borough Council’s Local Development Framework, and determine future
planning applications in the borough.
These documents are available to view online at
www.havant.gov.uk
Source:
portsmouthnews.tv
31st May
Concern Grows For Missing Emsworth Woman
Police are growing concerned
for the welfare of Margaret McElligott, 46, after she went missing from her home
in
Maggie was last seen by her
partner at approximately
Maggie is described as:
White
Thin build
1.68m tall
Blonde hair
Green eyes
Last seen wearing black jeans. It is not known what else she
was wearing.
Inspector Martin Gilholm said: "Maggie has been gone for some
time now and we are understandably growing more concerned for her welfare. We
are conducting extensive enquiries to locate her and we are appealing for the
public to help us in this matter.
"If you believe you have seen Maggie McElligott we would ask
you to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
"Additionally, if Maggie sees this appeal, we would ask her
to get in contact to let us know she is ok."
Anyone who has seen Margaret McElligott should contact Havant
police on 101. People outside Hampshire should contact 0845 045 45 45.
Source: portsmouthnews.tv
31st May
WALK-in clinics for people
with minor injuries have been launched to take the strain off
Nine GP surgeries
in the Havant and Waterlooville areas are providing the service to treat
injuries such as cuts or dislocations. It comes as a victory for
campaigners who have been fighting for years for minor injury services in
Havant.
The clinics are part of a package
of health improvements coming to the area, including the Oak Park Community
Clinic. NHS Hampshire has finally got the green light with formal
approval from South Central Strategic Health Authority. It means
building work could start on the
Inger Hebden, director of capital
planning at NHS Hampshire, said: ‘The approval means we can now start to put
all of our exciting plans in place.
‘We are really excited we can start the
work for the different projects, especially as we are planning the building
work will start next month.’
The community hospital will emerge
through the complete redevelopment of Oak Park Children’s Centre, a £4m
facility in
Instead of waiting until the new nursing
centre is ready, NHS Hampshire will commission 10 intermediate care beds in
nursing homes in the Havant area. These will replace the beds at
27th May
Wood with history is needed for boat build
WOOD of all shapes and sizes is needed for a unique boat building project. As part of the Cultural Olympiad, a 30ft yacht is being built in Emsworth made from donated pieces of wood, each with their own bit of personal history. A documented history of each donated piece will be kept as a legacy to the 2012 London Olympics. Gregg Whelan is one of the artists commissioned to work on the project by the Arts Council. He said: ‘We’ve been open for 10 weeks and the response has been incredible. We’ve had thousands of people through the door bringing us hundreds of donations. ‘We still need wood donations We’ve had everything from a piece of the Ark Royal to a family’s much used 42-year-old bath brush – we’ll take anything so long as it has story.’ Another donation day for personally significant wooden objects will take place on May 28 at The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, East Street, Havant, from 10am to 5pm. Go to www.theboatproject.com
The News 27-May-11
26th May
Round The Harbours Bike Ride
Havant Borough Council is urging its residents to get involved, have fun and get fit for the British Heart Foundation Round the Harbours’ Bike Ride Sunday 5th June. Local councils on the south coast, Havant, Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport have joined together in support of this worthy cause. The two ferry companies at Hayling and Gosport have also pledged their support to assist riders in their quest to complete this challenging course. Councillor Fairhurst, portfolio holder for economy and communities said, “We are delighted to be able to join with other local authorities to support this event. It is a journey which takes in some stunning views that we all have the privilege to share. “British Heart Foundation does a great job organising this event and we wish them every success in raising much needed funds. Good luck everyone!” Entry fee includes a Free T-Shirt and the two ferry crossings Adults £10 and Children under (16’s) £5.00. (These prices are if you book before the event there will be a £5.00 increase on each tariff if purchased on the day.) You can choose from five locations where you start your ride. For Havant Borough residents the location is Langstone Technology Park, at 9:00am. The 32 mile circular route can be started from Gosport, Fareham, Havant or Southsea including two ferry crossings. If you would like to know more about taking part visit and all the start locations visit www.bhf.org.uk/roundtheharbours or call the events team 0808 100 21096 or email eastevents@bhf.org.uk
Source: portsmouthnews.tv
16th May
Eames Farm Education Centre
opened
A new education centre at Eames Farm, Thorney Island was
officially opened this month by Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County
Council and Chairman of the Harbour Conservancy.
The centre has been created by converting a redundant stable block built in
traditional brick and flint materials and now provides a well-equipped teaching
area with associated office accommodation and storeroom.
The new centre – at the heart of a working organic beef farm within the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty - will be used to highlight the important role
farming plays in helping to manage the landscape of the harbour and the wildlife
that depends upon it.
Eames Farm will be promoted as an example of good agricultural management –
particularly of rare 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 general public.
The facility will provide a valuable extension to the Conservancy’s existing
education programme.
Eames Farm (170 acres) was acquired by the Chichester Harbour Trust in 2008 and
is managed by the Harbour Conservancy. The Trust was pleased to be able to raise
£25,000 from the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust towards the cost of the
project.
14th May
Havant Borough Council is working with Havant Friends of the Earth and Havant Transition Network to bring you the first Havant Goes Greener Week which will be held between the 23rd and 28th of May 2011.
It aims to show how small changes, when added together can make a big difference. Helping to raise awareness of the different ways that we can live a greener lifestyle. This will include, health and wellbeing, buying local, saving energy and volunteering.
Throughout the week and across the borough experts will share their knowledge on:
The week will end with the Havant Goes Greener Family Fair on the Saturday 28th May 2011 in Havant Park. This is an all day family fun event with children’s activities, music and stalls. More at: www.havantgoesgreener.org.uk . Download the programme HERE
12th May
Havant Borough Council is urging residents to be on their guard for bogus telephone callers regarding their council tax payments.
The council’s council tax office has received calls over the last few days which have raised concerns. The caller says you are entitled to a council tax refund from the government for paying your council tax on time. Then the caller asks for your bank details so they can credit the money direct to your bank account. Or if you wish to be paid by cheque you need to contact them with what is thought to be a premium rate telephone number.
Paul Griffith, the council’s solicitor, says; “This is clearly a scam. The council would never need to ask for a customer’s bank details over the telephone in this way. Customers are advised to ignore any such request for their bank details.”
Please report bogus calls to Action Fraud 0300 1232040 (this is a local call rate number) or visit their website www.actionfraud.org.uk and use the online reporting tool or Text to 0300 1232050.
12th May
WOMEN are being urged to donate their unwanted bras to help keep the air ambulance flying and saving lives.
For the second year, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is running its Bag up Your Bras campaign to help raise funds.
Secondhand bras can be recycled and then distributed and sold on to women in West Africa who often cannot afford new ones.
John Perry, the chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said: ‘This is a fantastic initiative which is so worthwhile, and has advantages for us all.
‘Our recycling partners Bag It Up have arranged for these bras to be sent out to Africa, and we are very pleased to be able to do something for others, whilst raising funds to help keep your air ambulance flying.
‘Please help by bagging up all unwanted bras.’
If you want to make a bra donation you can bag them up and put them in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s yellow recycling banks.
They can be found at community spots and supermarkets around the area.
To find your nearest bank call the charity on (023) 8033 3377
or visit the charity’s website at
www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk.
Make your donations by May 26 if possible.
The News 12-May-11
4th May
‘Extinct’
snail is found in waters of
The lagoon spire snail was
thought to be extinct but has been found
The find is so scientifically important the exact whereabouts
of the creature, commonly known as the spire or mud snail, is being kept a
secret. The snail grows to no more than 5mm and feeds on plants. Dr
Willing was hired by Chichester Harbour Conservancy to undertake a snail survey.
Using grant cash from Chichester District Council, the aim was to find the rare
Desmoulin’s whorl snail.
After two attempts, this
snail could not be found, but the rare spire snail was discovered. Dr
Willing, who lives in Midhurst,
He said: ‘This is the first
actual sighting of this snail in
Ed Rowsell, conservation
officer at Chichester Harbour Conservancy, added: ‘Basically, the snail was
thought to be extinct in the
The discovery was highlighted
in this year’s wildlife report on
The News 05-May-11
1st May
April Weather Breaks Records!
With an average daily temperature of 14.2°C , 3°C
above the mean, and rainfall of only 2mm, only 2% of the mean rainfall for the
month, it was the warmest and driest April since records began at Emsworth
Online in 1999. Glorious blue skies with only a light
breeze characterised most days with the only rain falling during a brief
thunderstorm during the evening of the 29th. All this made for a
happy change from the floods of last Autumn and the cold weather of December and
January.
The Met Office has reported that April that the month is the warmest on record with many parts of the UK seeing temperatures 3 to 5 °C warmer than normal. The month is also the 11th driest April in the UK. These records go back more than 100 years, to 1910.
The photo, by John Tweddell, shows men of 47 Regiment RA marching from the Square under a clear blue sky on April 21st
27th April
The transformation of The New Inn, Drayton
Many readers will be familiar with The Spice Village
in Emsworth, formerly Allwoods Wine Bar, opened by Abdul Ahad in March 2007. Now
Abdul has purchased The New Inn in Drayton which closed as a pub in 2009 and is
preparing to reopen this imposing building as a new restaurant, Spice Village
Drayton. The building is listed and although little will remain
of the original interior the exterior appearance will remain virtually unchanged
after restoration is complete retaining most of the original features including
the cast iron glazed canopy to the frontage of the building. Little is
known about the building in its previous existence as The New Inn; the
Listing description states that the building was built between C1840 and 1850,
so it is early Victorian, in the style of late Georgian. If anyone has stories,
photographs or historical information please contact the architect, John Groom,
johngroom@freeuk.com
Local chippy frying high with success
Whistlers Fine Fish and Chips of Westbourne, in
West Sussex has joined the fish frying elite from across the UK, by scooping the
prestigious Fish and Chip Quality Award. It is the first shop in West Sussex to
receive this award, and one of only a handful in the whole of the U.K.!
The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the trade body that represents
the nation’s fish and chip shops, runs the scheme as a way of raising standards
within the fish and chip trade and enhancing the profile of the industry.
The scheme is a way of rewarding and promoting shops that provide good quality
products and high standards of hygiene, as well as friers who show a high level
of competence.
To qualify, each shop has to go through an inspection by an NFFF Approved
Assessor who assesses the shop’s presentation, hygiene and cleanliness, staff
training, equipment, frying and sales skills and most importantly the quality of
the cooked product.
This award sets the new benchmark for quality within the industry. It will
signal to the consumer that they can buy with confidence where the award is
displayed, and it will encourage more outlets to raise their standards.
Each Fish and Chip Quality Award is valid for two years and retention is
dependent on standards being maintained as validated by NFFF officials and
appointed assessors.
For more information Whistler’s Fine Fish and Chips, 1 the Grove, Westbourne
Road, Westbourne West Sussex PO10 8UJ tel: 01243 372811
Source:
National Federation of Fish Friers
23rd April
Good Friday in Westbourne
Christians in
Westbourne marked Good Friday by walking through the village carrying a cross.
Beginning at the top of Monks Hill with its vista over the village the words
‘There is a Green Hill’ offered a good start to the day.
The annual
event, organised by
The Rev Frank
Wright, rector of
The
weekend began the previous evening, remembering the last supper Jesus had with
his disciples before he was arrested and crucified. We move through those
last events of his life to Easter morning when those in deep grief realized that
because of it all he would be with them for ever. As he is today, with us in all
our ups and downs.
22nd April
Emsworth
Maritime and Historical Trust publish a new booklet on the occasion of the
re-dedication of the Emsworth War Memorial
Emsworth’s unique
“bus shelter” war memorial built in 1950 was
re-dedicated
during the
21st April 2011
Thousands pack central Emsworth for St George's Parade
This morning under a clear blue
sky several thousand residents and visitors both young and old filled the centre
of the town to applaud the men and women of 47 regiment and veterans who were on
parade.
|
View the slideshow |
17th April
By George! Celebrations get spiced up
 From left, Cllr Brendan Gibb-Gray, Spice Village owner Abdul Ahad, veterans Harold Groom, Pat Wardle and Hugh Pollock, head chef Abdus Samad, chairwoman of Emsworth Business Association Carol Haskett and Mark Lewis |
Abdul Ahad, the owner of the curry house in The Square,
has promised all the profits from the restaurant on Monday night will go to the
Army Benevolent Fund.
He said: ‘We have been doing good business in Emsworth
for a while and I wanted to give something back to the community.
‘We get a lot of customers from the army base in
‘That is why we thought it would be good to do this charity night.’
The parade and the events leading up to it have been
organised by residents and Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray. He said.
‘What he is doing is amazingly generous.
‘He is giving his restaurant and the proceeds to the Emsworth community so that
we can raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund. He hopes to make £1,000 on the
night. He is working very hard to produce a menu that will appeal to all tastes.
‘His wife and family are also very excited to show people what they can do with
Bangladeshi cuisine. ‘It says something when people from different countries
support something that is very typically English.’
The event will kickstart a week of celebration in the
town. Members of Portsmouth Festival Choir will be singing at a Proms-style
event at St James’ Church, in Emsworth, at 7.30pm on Tuesday. At 10.30am
on Thursday thousands are expected to line the streets for the military parade
of 47 Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Thorney Island.
To book a table at the curry night call 01243 379222.
The News 17-Apr-11
16th April
St George's Celebrations Window
Dressing Competition results
Once again the Business's
of Emsworth did the town proud in this year's window dressing competition,
The
entries raised over £100 for the Emsworth War
Memorial, and have created a lot of visitor interest
The Mayor of Havant and her Mayor
Consort did the final judging yesterday morning. It proved
very difficult to choose only three winners from such a wide
range of different, good entries.
The top spots were finally awarded
to
1.
Cabelos Hair Salon,
2.
The
3.
Treagusts Butchers High St, & Classy Cooks North St
(joint 3rd place)
Thanks
also to John Tweddell took photos of all the window
entries - follow the link below.
14th April
My Chichester Harbour
What does Chichester Harbour mean to you? Does it
remind you of a day out fishing, competing in a dinghy race or strolling along a
footpath?
Whatever your connection, a new website has been launched where you can add your own stories or memories about the harbour.
Celebrating 40 years since the inception of Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the website has been devised to join the story of the Conservancy’s history with that of the people who live, work and play in this area.
Based on a map of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, www.mychichesterharbour.co.uk has been designed to be very easy to use. With just a few clicks your story or memory related to the harbour can be added along with photos or even a video. Or spend some time browsing through and reading the many stories that have already been added. Find out how a parachute found in the harbour was used by an ingenious family during the war years or read the hilarious tale of Two Men and a Boat, a story of two friends who spent a night trying to get their new acquisition afloat and onto a mooring.
Ali Beckett, Publicity Officer for the Conservancy said, ‘We are looking for as many people as possible to add their stories and memories to the website. Did you take part in the Millenium Sailpast or remember the storms in the ‘80s or even the great freeze in the ‘60s? Whatever your story or connection with the harbour, we want you to get involved. Adding a memory along with a photo or video is really easy, just follow the steps on the website or get in touch with the Harbour Office.’
The new website www.mychichesterharbour.co.uk has been generously supported by The Friends of Chichester Harbour and the Chichester Coastal Change Pathfinder Project.
12th April
EMSWORTH MUSEUM RE-OPENS 23rd OF APRIL
Exhibition ; Photos by
Maurice Broomfield “A Pictorial of Living
Emsworth ’97 Our Home Village”
The Museum officially re-opens at 10.30am Saturday the 23rd of
April with a stunning retrospective of the late Maurice Broomfield’s photos
of Emsworth , taken
in 1997 for the exhibition of that year.
Maurice, a professional photographer, contributed photos
regularly to The Financial Times and The Science
Museum and his collection is now mainly held in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The Emsworth photographs are a
poignant reminder of some places and people no
longer with us, even though only 14 years have passed.
The Museum will also be opened especially on
April the 21st between 10am and 2pm to coincide with the St Georges Day Parade.
Admission free, all welcome
12th April
th April
No Changes To Havant Rubbish And Recycling Easter Collections
Residents across the Borough of Havant will have NO CHANGE to their Rubbish and Recycling collection days over the Easter period and forthcoming Bank Holidays. Householders are reminded to put their bins out ready for collection by 7am on their scheduled day for crews to collect. Roads in the borough that have organised road closures for Royal Wedding street parties will have special arrangements already in place.
Garden Waste collections will also continue throughout this time
8th April
|
NEW Keen sailor, Siun Cranny, has been appointed
to head Chichester Harbour Conservancy. Siun, will take on this newly
created role to lead the well established team at the Harbour Office. Following the untimely death of Manager and Harbour
Master, John Davis, last August the management structure has been
carefully reviewed by Conservancy members. Over the years the role
has changed and it was felt a position of Director would formally
recognise the responsibility of working with partner organisations and
planning the way forward to manage the balance between the harbour and
the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
|
|
|
The position of Harbour
Master will be taken on by Richard Craven who has been deputy for over
10 years. Alison Fowler continues as Environmental Manager. Peter
Taylor, Chairman of the Advisory Committee added ‘the new management
arrangement will ensure that all users of |
 Left to right: Peter Taylor, Siun Cranny, Louise Goldsmith, Richard Craven, Alison Fowler |
30th March
Brian
Keenan to speak at a fundraising dinner at The Brookfield Hotel
It will be a rare occasion for guests
when the 60-year-old talks about life as a writer and traveller since his
four-and-a-half year ordeal in
But the reason why he accepted this invitation was that it
came from his best school friend Trevor Magee – whose name had been spotted in
Mr Keenan’s book An Evil Cradling by the festival’s chairman David Penrose.
Mr Penrose and Mr Magee were both
teachers at
On
Mr Keenan said: ‘There are no regrets. I wouldn’t of course
want to do it all again, but on the other hand, I came back home from that
experience possessing more than what was taken from me.’
He has published fiction and
non-fiction works rooted in locations from
Mr Penrose said: ‘Brian is a coup for the festival – when the
possibility of having him on board evolved it was magic.
‘Brian is not just a literary figure but he also has a strong
political dimension that I hope will attract a wide range of guests to the
dinner – and not just people who read fiction or non-fiction.’
Mr Keenan’s talk at the Brookfield
Hotel, Emsworth, on April 1, starts at
Source
The News
25th March
Local Projects to Tackle Violence against Women
The Safer Havant Partnership has been granted £10,000 worth
of funding from the Home Office to support local projects that tackle violence
against women and girls.
So far, £20,000 worth of projects have been put forward by local people or
groups and we are asking residents to help us decide which of these projects
should be funded.
Come along and help us decide on Wednesday 30th March 2011, 6pm to 9pm at Havant
Leisure Centre. Refreshments will be served at 6pm.
To book your place, please contact contact Chelsea Forrest on 023 9244 6606 or
via info@saferhavant.co.uk
If you would like to find out more, please go to
www.saferhavant.co.uk for more
details.
18th March
Emsworth Student, Fiona Mikel is hoping to to study Drama in
London after performing at the Spring, Havant, in April
Fiona has lived in Emsworth for all
her life, taking dance lessons at Emsworth's
She studied Theatre and Performance
at
Talented Fiona went on to win the
'Best Actress' at the
Now Fiona
is performing in with the Fell Swoop Theatre Company in 'Most Drink in Secret',
a three-man adaptation of Chekhov's classic 'The Seagull', which has been
invited to perform at the The Lowry Manchester, The Tobacco Factory Bristol and
The Lyric Theatre London, and for one night only, at The Spring in Havant on
Saturday April 16th.
BOOK ONLINE
After rounds of auditions all this
year, Fiona has been short-list for both
13th March
Emsworth Mill Pond repaired
The future of a beauty spot in Emsworth has been secured
after £100,000 repair works were completed.
Emsworth Slipper Mill Pond, which sits on the county border,
has needed repair works to its footpaths and banks which have suffered from
years of tidal erosion. The project has been the subject of eight years of
hard work by the volunteers of the Slipper Mill Pond Preservation Society.
Chairman of the society Nick Madina has commissioned
geotechnical surveys, battled to find funding, applied for planning permission
and tried to find a suitable contractor to carry out the work since the need for
repairs was identified in 2003.
“The thing that’s very rewarding is the works have been
completed in time for the breeding season,” he said.
“In the past few days the birds have been pairing up. You can
hear them going ‘phew’, we have got the pond to ourselves.”
The path on the western side of the pond was in danger of
subsiding as the bottom of the banks on the western side of the path became
undercut. The clay deposits under the path were also becoming eroded which put
the 
Mr Madina added: “Since 1962 volunteers of one group or
another have been looking after it – it’s been repaired, repaired and repaired.
“The bank on one of the sections was starting to fail. As
work started it was starting to sink. It would not have been a long time before
the path and the centre sections were in trouble.”
The group received planning approval
in the summer of 2009, but it was too late to start work because of the effect
it would have had on the breeding season, and when they were ready to start they
had to find funding from another source after having their application rejected.
Half the money was awarded by the LEADER project, which is part of the Rural
Development Programme for
For more
information visit website
www.smppa.org.uk
Chichester Observer
11th March
Thousands of new trees
planted near 
Volunteeers have celebrated the 10th birthday of a wood by planting an extra 1,500 trees.
More than 40 volunteers braved the
elements to plant scores of new trees on
It came a decade after an area of disused airfield was
planted with 10,000 trees to create a new 18-acre area of broadleaf woodland.
Ten years on, the woodland is starting to become established, but some areas
have failed and needed to be replanted after being eaten by deer. The species
planted recently were all local, including oak, hazel and field maple.
The project was led by Chichester
Harbour Conservancy and supported by the Army Welfare Service. Major Chris
Hallam, station staff officer at Baker Barracks on
‘We have achieved so much and are very grateful to all the
volunteers who have taken part, especially during some pretty soggy weather.’
Nicky Horter, countryside officer at Chichester Harbour
Conservancy, said: ‘It has been great to be part of a partnership project to
celebrate 10 years of the new woodland.
‘The hard work put in by all of the volunteers will have a
lasting benefit for the wildlife and landscape of Chichester Harbour Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty.’
The trees were provided by Chichester Harbour Conservancy,
with funding from the Friends of Chichester Harbour.
The News
9th March
The Union Flag Flies in The Square
Many months after the idea was first proposed a flag pole has been erected in the square. Funded by the Emsworth Business Association and erected by the HBC Engineer Works Team,
Carol Haskett, acting chairman, said,
"I'm really pleased that this has gone up at last. It's taken quite a time but means that for the first time we can now fly the flag in Emsworth and I'm especially pleased that it will be there for the St George's parade in April."
5th March
2nd March
Dragon boat Race set to return to The Mill Pond
Last held in 2004, this year the race organised by the Emsworth Business Association with the cooperation of the Slipper Sailing Club will take place on Sunday, 7th August. The Business
Association is working with professional organisers to make
this a safe and memorable day. There is a limit of 15 teams, so early sign-up is
recommended. For more information and to enter a team contact Brendan Gibb-Grey,
Tel. 01243 377355
24th February
Does anybody remember the Bartlett family?
Steve Williams is researching the life of William Walter
Bartlett who moved to Emsworth with his wife, Alice and daughter, Olive in
approximately 1914. Bartlett had been active in the
socialist movement since the mid 1880s, first in London and then Brighton.
After the first world war he was elected to the Warblington Urban District
Council as a representative of the Labour Party. He served as a councillor until
the early 1930s when Warblington UDC was abolished. He died in Emsworth in
1950. Alice died in 1954 and Olive lived in Emsworth until her death in 1971.
The Bartlett family lived in 1921 at an address given as 'Sydney Haven' and then
11 Queen St, Emsworth. If any one can help Steve with his research please
contact him: T.01273 479088 E.s.williams@unison.co.uk'
18th February
Plan for church revamp gets thumbs down over its
design
A £2m plan to revamp a church has been refused by a council
over fears it could become an eyesore.
Planners at
Havant Borough Council had recommended the proposals for
But councillors voted
The plan was to demolish the church
hall and build a new one with twice the floor space.
The proposed building would be single-storey and include a large foyer
and auditorium, which would seat 300 people.
Cllr Ann
Buckley, who voted for it, said: ‘I was not completely happy with it, but when I
saw inside the building and heard about their vision, I was happy to support it.
‘I think
other members felt it did not fit into historic Emsworth. It’s not in the
conservation area but is next to it.’
The Rev Dane
Baker said he was disappointed with the decision as the church had already
modified the plans after lengthy discussions with the council.
He said: ‘We
are going to take advice from our architects and look at what the church
leadership think is the best way forward.
‘It seems
the councillors who voted against had not perhaps appreciated that we had done
that much work over the past year modifying plans.’
The News
16th February
CHICESTER HARBOUR CONSERVANCY ANOUNCE FESTIVAL OF HARBOUR WALKS
If you love walking and love coastal
views then the Festival of Harbour Walks is the mini-Festival for you. Taking in
over 40 miles of coastline over just 4 days, this Festival promises to be an
event to remember.
The Festival of Harbour Walks is now in
its seventh year. Using mainly shoreline paths around both Langstone and
Starting on Tuesday 3 May, walkers will
complete a circumnavigation of
Moving into
On Thursday we start again at Nutbourne
but head in the opposite direction around the
The final day takes in the one of the
popular harbour routes from the sand dunes of East Head right up to Fishbourne.
Lunch is at the historic Itchenor Sailing Club and an afternoon stop for tea at
Dell Quay gives plenty of time to enjoy the views.
The Festival of Harbour Walks is
organised by Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Langstone Harbour Board. Judi
Darley for
Full details and booking forms are
available online at
www.conservancy.co.uk or from the Harbour Office on 01243 512301.
14th February
The Emsworth Show 2011
After the public meeting held last November, a further meeting was held with interested parties and, following from that we are pleased to announce that the Show will take place as usual on August Bank Holiday Monday, 29th August 2011. Several people have volunteered to help and a full management team is now in place. We are very pleased to welcome the new volunteers. Further help is always welcome of course and if anyone else would like to be involved, please let us know.
Details will be published here on Emsworth Online and on our own website (www.emsworthhorticultralsociety.org.uk) when known but for now we can let all keen photographers know the classes for this year’s event are as follows CLASS 250. Subject:
Any
subject of your choice 251.
Subject:
Close Up: Clematis 252.
Subject:
Street Trees 253.
Subject:
Volunteering 254.
Subject:
People at Work in Emsworth 255.
Subject:
Any Subject of your choice
(Max print size A5) Print size for classes 250 to 254 should be A4 to A3. Prints must be mounted but not in glass.
Details will be found in the schedule. There will be competitions held in the summer for hanging baskets and containers and possibly for local gardens and allotments. Do let us know if you are interested in entering a garden or allotment. We will not have a children’s’ potato growing competition this year but will have a children’s handwriting competition instead. Show schedules will be available from the usual outlets about mid June.
9th February
|
The Emsworth Residents Association and Business Association are sharing the cost of £2500 and Thorney 47 Regiment are providing free labour.. The work should be completed by the St Georges Day celebrations. Uniquely, this is the only bus shelter war memorial in the country! After the 1st World War the men of Emsworth wanted a useful memorial to their fallen comrades, and so endowed two beds in the local Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital to allow people access to medical treatment free. Then later, after the 2nd World War, the next group of returning servicemen had the same feelings. They did not want "just a lump of stone"; they wanted something of use. The Royal British Legion branch in Emsworth co-ordinated the efforts and it was felt a covered seating area on The Square, where they all used to congregate and chat, would be appropriate. Therefore in December 1950 the unveiling of the "covered seating on The Square" took place with standards and banners of many Emsworth organisations on parade. It was an occasion of great civic pride in Emsworth and acknowledgement of the efforts and sacrifice of its young
Source: Emsworth Maritime & Historical Trust |
Inauguration of the war
memorial. In December 1950 this shelter, designed by Peter Elcock
(second from left), was built in |
4th February
Proposed redevelopment of Hampshire Farm,
Emsworth, Public Meeting
Havant
Borough Council resolved to grant outline
planning permission subject to a S106 Agreement for the redevelopment of this
site with 280 new homes alongside a new doctor's surgery for17 hectares of
public open space and access in December last year. Following this resolution, Linden Homes is now in the
process of developing detailed plans for a future reserved matters application
for the design and appearance of the proposed new homes alongside other matters,
such as landscaping.
Ahead of
these plans being finalised and the submission of a reserved matters
application, which is concerned with the detailed aspects of the development
only, Linden Homes wishes to provide the local community with an opportunity to
view and comment on the proposals. As a result and in line with Linden Homes'
commitment to local consultation, an informal public exhibition has been
arranged for: Monday 7th February 2011
between 4.00pm and 8.00pm at the Emsworth Sports & Social Club, 43 Havant
Road, Emsworth, P010 7JF.
The
exhibition will display the detailed proposals being developed for the site
including information on the design approach being taken to the proposed new
homes Members of the team involved in the project to date including planners and
architects will be on hand to discuss the plans, to answer your questions and to
receive feedback.
Free
phone information line -- 0800 298 7040.
HALF-TERM HARBOUR
A fun-packed half term is planned down at
The week of activities starts on Monday 21st with a fun session for families
with children under 5. Based at the Harbour Education Centre at Dell Quay we
will be finding out about harbour babies including the birds and the trees. On
Tuesday 22nd
there is an opportunity for a walk and a boat trip onboard the solar-powered
Solar Heritage, a great way to see the harbour from two different perspectives.
All these sessions are
organised by Chichester Harbour Conservancy as part of the year-round programme
of activities. Judi Darley, organiser of the programme said, ‘we look forward to
welcoming lots of families to
For more
details on any of these events please see
www.conservancy.co.uk or call the Harbour
Office on 01243 512301.
31st January
News from the Community Centre
Refurbishment, events and a new youth Drama club.
The exterior of the building painted
in the spring. We need to maintain the Centre in as good a condition as
possible. It is planned to refurbish the Reception Area working with
Other improvements to be undertaken the provision of
ventilation in the Mountford Rooms by installing heat recovery units in the two
rooms.
Coming up very soon BURNS NIGHT on
Saturday 5th February
TISH
27th January
St James’ awarded the Green Flag Eco Schools Award!~
Following a visit last week from Mrs Helen Harris, The
school’s hard work on Eco Schools has been recognised and we have
been awarded the Green Flag Eco School Award.
This is the culmination of three years effort by the children and staff, led inspirationally by Miss Ifould. Her energy, drive and enthusiasm have made sure that the Eco Schools agenda has become embedded in the school. Pupils, Max Johnson, Freya Grant and Molly Hugo, took Mrs Harris on a guided tour of the school which was scheduled for 30mins, but lasted nearly an hour. Well done too to the Eco Team, not only this year, but in previous years, who have made such a difference to the school.
There will be an official flag raising ceremony in the near future!
26th January
The News 26-Jan-11
22nd January
The mystery of what happened to the long-lost navy of King
Harold which disappeared in 1066 could now be solved – and one man thinks he has
the answer.
Southbourne councillor and local
historian Philip MacDougall feels the mystery lies under the silt of
In the autumn of 1066 on the eve of the Battle of Hastings,
the King’s powerful fleet of not less than 20 warships returned to its home
waters of the harbour. He believes a site on the
east side of
“From that point onwards, the entire fleet, its crew and
shore-side support buildings, simply disappear completely from the annals of
history,” said Mr MacDougall. Giving further support
to the importance of
To explore the importance of
Source:
Chichester Observer
18th January
Work has started this month to refurbish a group of redundant farm buildings at
Eames Farm,
The facility will
form part of the Conservancy’s existing education programme and provide a centre
where both children and adults can be made aware of the importance of farming in
maintaining the landscape and wildlife habitats within the Chichester Harbour
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The project will
restore the farm buildings in such a way that they contribute to the traditional
look of the farm within the landscape while employing modern environmentally
friendly heating and plumbing techniques.
The conversion
work is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Eames Farm (170
acres) was acquired by the Chichester Harbour Trust in 2008 and is managed by
the Harbour Conservancy.
Source: Chichester Harbour Trust
18th January
EMSWORTH FLOOD ACTION GROUP Launch at
Residents Association
As a result of the recent flooding in
Bridge Road and the past and continuing threat of flooding in a number of other
locations within Emsworth, the Emsworth Residents’ Association is setting up a
Flood Action Group gathering residents together to empower our community to
reduce the flood risk and develop an emergency response plan.
The Association is being assisted in
this venture by the National Flood Forum, a national charity set up after the
devastating floods in the
To get this Flood Action Group going,
The Association needs to hear from residents and businesses whose
property has been or potentially could be flooded, about concerns as to the
threat of flooding, howl this might have been averted, what measures need
to be taken to avoid flooding in the future, and any ideas or recommendations
for flood prevention.
The Association needs to gather this
information as quickly as possible. The
Next month, the Emsworth Flood Action Group Committee will
build an Action Plan by meeting here in Emsworth with the National Flood Forum
and all other relevant organisations such as the Environment Agency, Southern
Water, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Havant Borough Council, Hampshire County
Council and any other support organisations that might be involved should
flooding occur in Emsworth.
With the help of the National Flood Forum we will then put
together a Flood Plan for Emsworth to decide which agency is responsible for
what actions and to ensure that they take ownership of the actions needed to
protect Emsworth from flooding in the future.
18th January
Burglaries Alert
Emsworth Safer Neighbourhood Police Team report a
number of burglaries in the local area this week.
The team is are looking for witnesses
in the area who may have seen any vehicles or people acting suspicious or out of
place in the local area overnight from Monday 10th January into Friday 14th
January from late evening until
The burglaries we have had reported have happened over night
and peoples sheds and property’s have been targeted. If you have located any
property or have also been a victim of crime please contact the local Safer
Neighbourhood Team.
Dial 08450 45 45 45 for the Emsworth Safer Neighbourhoods
Team
emsworth.snt@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
16th January
Electrical fire at
St Thomas à Becket Church in Church Lane, Warblington
About 30 firefighters attended and extinguished the flames.
Services at the church in Hampshire have been cancelled after
a fire broke out due to an electrical fault.
Emergency crews were called to
The blaze involved two rows of pews, a spokeswoman for
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said.
Station manager Charlie Harris said: "When crews arrived they
were met with what appeared to be a fire situation which they could see through
the stained glass window.
"They found a small fire which was developing into a larger
fire in the first front two pews of the church.
"The church was secured and initial investigations appear to
show it was a problem with the electrical apparatus in the building.
"Very little water was used... the crews were very
professional and the church is in very good condition considering its age.
"Services have been cancelled purely because we have isolated
the electrics, [there is a] likelihood the church should be up and running
within the next couple of days."
Source: BBC News, Hampshire
15th January
Emsworth's Slipper Mill Pond footpath to be restored
A £74,000 project to restore a popular footpath around a
historic mill pond has started.
|
The Slipper Mill Pond
Preservation Association has secured funding from a £50,000 EU/LEADER
Grant, part of the Rural Development Programme for |
 Click on image to view full size in a new window |
|
The work is expected to take eight weeks, depending
on the weather.Cement will be poured into the west facing walls of the
footpath. The footpath will be closed so that the bank can be
usedexclusively for construction. Everyone is well aware of the impact
of construction on the ecosystem and every effort has been made to
finish the work before the beginning of Spring. |
|
13th January
The Way Ahead - A major
fund-raiser being organised by Macmillan Cancer Support to celebrate its 100th
birthday this year. Can you help?
The
project, The Way Ahead, will leave a lasting financial legacy to benefit the two
million people currently living with cancer in the
With the permission of Hampshire
County Council, Macmillan has adopted the
Wayfarer’s
Way, a 70-mile trail stretching through exceptionally beautiful countryside
the length of Hampshire and just into
The Way Ahead is being launched this April, with lots of
complementary events along or near the route to suit a variety of interests –
which is where we very much hope your local organisations and businesses may be
able to help.
Can you help by holding a fund-raiser or some sort for
Macmillan in the Emsworth area? All Way Ahead events will be promoted on
the walk website currently under construction.
Macmillan Cancer Support is hoping to
generate as much media interest as possible and
Hampshire County Council is printing a new Wayfarer’s Way
pamphlet – including information about The Way Ahead and Macmillan - which will
go out to all its many tourist information centres as well as hotels, B&Bs and
pubs.
There will be several launch events, organised circular walks
going off the WW, a children’s quiz, a photography competition, painting lessons
and lots, lots more.
This is an inclusive event for everyone to take part in to
celebrate our first 100 years, and we want as many people as possible to
participate in some way and help change the lives of people living with cancer.
Macmillan relies on voluntary contributions for 99% of its
income. I do hope you will choose to back The Way Ahead – it could help make all
the difference.
If you think you can help
please contact Sue Lowe, Chairman of the Meon Valley Committee of Macmillan
Cancer Support: T 01489 892325 E.
suelowe636@gmail.com
10th January
Chichester Harbour Conservancy Reaches 40
Chichester Harbour was formed 40 years ago:
imagine yourself back in 1971. Norway had just begun
extracting oil from the North Sea. For the third time, astronauts had landed on
the moon. And the British parliament had finally voted to join the European
Community. Little noticed by the national media, another Bill had been passed by
Parliament in that year which was destined to have a big impact on this corner
of Britain - the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Act, 1971.
For the first time, the whole harbour was to be managed by one authority. It is
interesting to note that the Conservancy wasn’t a ‘quango’ imposed on a
reluctant population by central government, but a body set up after a good deal
of pressure from people living and working around the harbour.
More......
December the church's original plans have been revised.
|
A Green Start to 2011 in Westbourne Villagers in Westbourne, near Emsworth, have got 2011 off to a great green start. They held a recycling event in the village square yesterday [Monday (January 3) where residents brought their Christmas trees to be turned into chippings. Almost 70 trees were collected at the lunchtime session, organised by climate change action group Greening Westbourne. Campaigners provided mulled wine, squash and mince pies for people who brought along their trees. The recycling session was the third such event organised by the campaign. Its aim was to encourage residents to recycle, and to reduce the distance travelled by local waste. Westbourne tree works specialist Michael Reed performed the chipping for free. Campaigners also collected hundreds of Christmas cards for recycling, on behalf of charity The Woodland Trust. |
 Matthew Wickens, five, was an enthusiastic helper at the Christmas tree and card recycling event at Westbourne yesterday. |
| Campaign chairman Colin
Carré said: "This is a really popular event which is turning into a bit
of a village tradition. This year we're continuing our push to get as
many homes in the village insulated as possible. We're encouraging them
to get their cavity walls done, as well as proper 270mm insulation in
their lofts." The campaign is following a format successfully tried in local communities including Petersfield, Harting, East Meon and Southsea. Villagers interested in the campaign can email: greeningwestbourne@hotmail.co.uk |
|
4th January
For the past two yeas the Emsworth
Business Association has organised a St Georges day parade and associated
activities. This year they will be arranging a week of musical
celebrations. The
provisional programme is:
Monday 18th April: Emsworth Community Singers a concert in The Spice Village
Restaurant.
Tuesday 19th April:
Wednesday 20th April: Sea Shanties in Emsworth Sailing Club.
Thursday 21st April: Military Parade.
Friday 22nd April: Lunch-time Youth Concert at the Brookfield
Hotel.
Saturday 23rd April: Music in the town centre and a Jazz
evening at Emsworth Community Centre.
The Emsworth Business Association is
keen to encourage young local musicians to come forward and join in some or all
of these events. So if you know a budding and talented youngster, please
put them in touch with me. Once again our charity is the Army Benevolent Fund.
This week of music is made possible by close cooperation and financial support
between the ERA, EBA,
Source: The
You can still check out last year's news HERE
