26th October

Emsworth Seafood Week Hailed as a Great Success

 The sun shone yesterday on Emsworth yesterday as Emsworth’s first ever Seafood Week as the village was packed with visitors to an Emsworth Sunday Market, rather less seafood than expected but every one seemed to be enjoying themselves and the pubs and cafés were packed out.

Martin Hughes from Portsmouth, a first time visitor to Emsworth said that he had really enjoyable heritage trail walk and pub visit and that he would definitely making a return visit.  Highlights of the week included: excellent fish meals in local restaurants, mostly sold out; an in formative talk on the Rise and Fall of the Emsworth Oyster Fishery given by John Tweddell who had organised the week; a guide walk around the Heritage trail and a successful Sunday Market. One resident found in The Coal Exchange celebrated Seafood Week by wearing a Japanese sushi T-shirt.Over twenty people took the guided walk visiting sites around the town relating to Emsworth’s maritime history.

Mike proudly wears his sushi t-shirt whilst enjoying a pint.

John leads the guided Heritage Trail walk along the foreshore

In planning the event John aimed to encourage business in Emsworth and to involve the residents in an appreciation of the town’s maritime past without disrupting the town.  Without doubt these aims were met and week was been a tremendous success.

Visitors and residents are invited to leave their feedback about the event online by following this link: http://www.emsworthseasons.org.uk/Feedback.html

All that remains is the question “Will there be a second Seafood Week?”  We will have to await the answer.

23rd October

Seafood Week - Oyster Talk Sell Out

Thursday evening saw the Mountford Rooms at the Emsworth Association Centre packed with an audience of over 200 Emsworth residents listening to an illustrated Talk on The Rise and Fall of the Emsworth Oyster Industry delivered by John Twedell, a former Vice Chairman of the Emsworth Food Festival and an enthusiastic promoter of the town.

John placed the Oyster Industry which reached its zenith towards the end of the nineteenth century in the context of the town’s history from Roman times to the present day.

The audience learnt that in the nineteenth century the growth of the industry from a small scale local affair to pre-eminence was mainly the result of two men’s endeavors, Jack Kennet and J D Foster. Between them they developed the oyster fishery on an industrial scale as well as the associated industries of ship building, sawmilling, timber and shipping. By 1900 over 400 were employed in the oyster fishery alone and 6 million oysters were being exported, mainly by the railway which had arrived in Emsworth in 1847, each year.

It was only in November 1902 that things went badly wrong when, following a municipal banquet in Winchester, at which Emsworth Oysters were served, the Dean of Winchester was taken ill with typhoid and subsequently died along with one other who having eaten Emsworth oysters there and else where. A Board of Trade Enquiry placed the blame firmly on the oysters which had been contaminated by the town’s recently installed sewage system which discharged raw sewage close to the oyster beds. The Sale of Emsworth oysters was immediately banded and the industry collapsed causing the associated trades to fall into a rapid decline.

Although the town recovered the oyster industry did not. During the twentieth century several attempts were made to re-establish oyster fishing but two world wars intervened and the economic and environmental conditions worked against these efforts.

Until the 1970’s the abandoned hulks of the oyster fishing fleet could be seen on the harbour fore shore until they were removed by the harbour conservancy. Today, only traces of the now badly eroded oyster ponds and pens remain and one or two local fisherman harvest the few remaining oysters between November and February.

On Sunday morning John will be leading a guided walk around the Emsworth Heritage Trail which is largely based on Emsworth’s maritime past.
 

22^nd October

England Expects………..

Proudly flying Nelson’s final signal to the fleet before the battle of Trafalgar, yesterday saw the official “launch” of the second Emsworth flower boat.

Restored and donated by Dolphin Quay Boat yard the boat was unveiled by Lulu Bowerman, chairman of the Emsworth Food Festival which had donated £5000 to the project.

Launched as a Part of the town’s seafood week the boat will provide a colourful display for those entering Emsworth from the west and compliments a similar boat at the eastern approach to Emsworth.

Brendan Gibb-Gray, chairman of the Emsworth Business Association, said: 'It went very well – the boat looks very good.
'The flags were the background to the boat and I'm particularly pleased that it was unveiled on Trafalgar Day.'

20^th October

Seafood Week is Underway

Monday saw the start of Emsworth’s first ever Seafood Week.

Organised by John Twedell, an Emsworth Resident, celebrate over one thousand years of maritime commerce in this picturesque Hampshire market town. During the week 19th to 25th October Emsworth cafes, hotels, pubs, restaurants and retail outlets will be offering special discounts, offers and special menus to recognise the town’s association with the fishing history at the centre of Chichester Harbour.

As part of the celebration John will give a talk on the rise and fall of the town's oyster industry on Thursday at 7.30pm in the community centre. Tickets cost £2 each and there are still some available in the Bluebell Inn, in South Street. This can be followed up by joining a guided walk around The Heritage Trail featuring the history of the oyster industry on Sunday morning.

Wednesday will see the unveiling of a partly restored boat called Sea Kitten, which was donated by Dolphin Quay boat yard.  It has been planted with flowers and will be placed at the western approach to Havant Road. A similar boat was installed at the eastern entrance to Emsworth in November 2007. It has been paid for by a £5,000 donation by the Emsworth Food Festival committee which had community funds left over, and will be officially unveiled by former director of the festival, Lulu Bowerman, at midday.

For more information about the special promotions and menus on offer visit www.emsworthseasons.org.uk

20^th October

Emsworth Conservation Area Consultation

Havant Borough Council has produced a leaflet (the leaflet may be downloaded HERE) which outlines the main findings from the review of the Emsworth Conservation Area and the Council is seeking on this. Any views expressed as part of this process will be considered when preparing the final draft for Council adoption. The full draft Character Appraisal, Management Plan and Area Map documents can be found on the Council’s website at www.havant.gov.uk and further hard copies can be sent on request.

A consultation evening is also planned to be held on the 29th October 2009 at the Emsworth Community Centre, Church Path, Emsworth between 17:00 and 19:00. Anyone wishing to attend the event should email planning.development@havant.gov.uk  or call (023) 9244 6546.
 

17th October

Boat planted adjacent to the A259

A second ‘flowering boat’, an old Danish lifeboat, is being installed at the western approach to the town on the A259. The ‘launch’ is scheduled to take place on Trafalgar Day, next Wednesday.

The lifeboat comes from a Danish ocean-going ship and was built in the 1930’s and after decommissioning was named Sea Kitten. This project is sponsored by the Emsworth Business Association and Emswortrh Food Festival and compliments the boat at the eastern approached to the town installed in 2007.

 Project co-ordinators Carol Haskett (GCS Computer Services) and Dave Wagg (Emsworth Home Hardware) wish to thank Tim Gilmore from Dolphin Quay boatyard for the boat and the makeover, J & D Castle the landscapers who constructed the project and Havant Borough Council for granting the licence.

Source: Emsworth Business Association
 

Top =
 

16th October

The News 16-Oct-09
 

16th October

9th October

CELEBRATIONS IN EMSWORTH

Celebrations took place in recently, when the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Yvonne Weeks officially opened the town’s first stockbroking and financial advisory business.

Cllr Weeks was at the office of Edward Jones, based at 24 Queen Street and run by Stockbroker & Financial Adviser Richard Taylor.

Speaking at the opening The Deputy Mayor said, “This new business will give Emsworth its first stockbroking service coupled with financial advice. I am sure the Edward Jones ethos of offering an approachable and accessible facility will prove a great asset for the local area, and I wish them every success for the future.”

Added Richard Taylor, “I enjoy living and working in the area and am very pleased to be opening my new office where I will be offering services associated with both a stockbroker and financial adviser.”

Also joining in the celebrations was veteran Financial Adviser and Stockbroker of Edward Jones, Paul Murray. Mr Murray commented, “It is great to see Richard doing what Edward Jones does best – helping individual long term investors plan for their financial future and retirement.

“We find that in current market conditions people really appreciate the opportunity to sit down with their financial adviser and discuss the right course of action to help them achieve their long-term financial goals. That is why as a company we are expanding across the country and being both stockbrokers and financial advisers means we can offer clients a wide range of investment solutions.”

Richard Taylor added, “We are pleased to help all individual investors, regardless of their net worth and they are always welcome to call into the office.”
 

4th October

Shedman visits Emsworth

A mysterious shed appeared in the square on Friday.

Shedman kindly wrote a poem to celebrate the occasion of Harry's birthday, Harry is an Emsworth resident and a  retired journalist.

www.shedman.net

4th October

Councillors' anger as hospital plan's finally axed

COUNCILLORS, residents and a Member of Parliament have spoken of their anger that plans for a new £38million hospital serving Emsworth are set to be scrapped.

Community leaders said they were "appalled" that Havant's new hospital – which has been in the pipeline for 30 years – will now not happen.

NHS officials asked for the plans to be discontinued at a meeting at the end of Scan no longer afford the proposed Oak Park hospital's £3million annual running costs.

A Havant Residents' Association member said: "They have spent all this money on Alexandra Hospital and we are losing out in Havant. I am appalled."

Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray said: "Which other area with a population of 120,000 hasn't got a community hospital? They can't afford it because they have put bureaucracy before beds."

Oak Park Community Hospital, at River Way, would have offered services such as diagnostics, endoscopy and a minor-injury unit as well as 25 in-patient beds and 24 elderly mental health beds.

Havant MP David Willetts plans to write a strongly-worded letter to NHS Hampshire's chief executive, Richard Popplewell.

Mr Willetts, who represents the Island, said: "This is not a list of luxury items – these are services which are taken for granted in most parts of Hampshire and yet are barely obtainable locally east of the A3."

The NHS Hampshire Board did not finally discontinue plans for the hospital because health officials must show how the services will be offered if no hospital is built.

Inger Hebden, director of capital planning for NHS Hampshire, said services could be provided by redeveloping the nearby Havant Health Centre and Oak Park Children's Centre, which opened in 2006, offering paediatric services.

She said: "I was disappointed when I first realised it might not be affordable. We quickly had to think about other options.

"Momentum has already started in seeing other ways of doing this. I think we will still be able to provide the quality of service that the people of Havant wanted for their hospital.

"The services are more important than the building."

Hayling Islander 02 October 2009

 Top =
 

2nd October

Primary School Children Visit the Co-op to Collect £7500

Mrs Brightwell took six children to the Co-op in Emsworth (30th Sept 2009) to collect the £7500 that had been raised for the school by the Co-op's Community Card.  She was accompanied by Mrs Simmonds, the chair of the SJA (St James' Association - the school's PTA body.)   The children had all come up with ideas for things that we could develop in the school grounds and were prize winners in the school's competition to generate ideas for improving our outdoors.
 They £15,000 was raised which was shared with us and Emsworth Primary School.  The schools are grateful to the SJA, whose idea this was, and to parents, who supported the school by using their Community Service card at the Co-op.

Scource: www.stjamesprimaryemsworth.co.uk

26th September

Food Festival Support For Community Projects Announced
 

Lulu Bowerman (EFF Chairman) has announced that three projects have been selected to receive financial support from funds raised by the Emsworth Food Festival.
 

In January applications were invited from individuals or groups within the town and surrounding area to apply for financial support for projects which would provide something special for the town and the residents who live here. A total sum of £25000 was reported to be available.
 

The projects submitted were diverse and will benefit a variety of groups and ages in Emsworth.
 

The main recipient is “Bored in Emsworth” which will be run in conjunction with Emsworth Community Board to offer activities and support for teenagers in the local community. The funding is intended to ensure longevity for this scheme, which will work closely with local schools and the youth service.

A second project will be to improve the steps down to the foreshore from Kings Street to give increased access to more residents. Additional handrails will be installed as an aid for older residents who are struggling to use the steps in their current condition.

Finally, a contribution has been made to the Emsworth Business Association for a new landmark on the western approach to Emsworth on Havant Road.

Top =
 

26th September
 

Anger as plans for new hospital face the chop

RESIDENTS have spoken of their anger that plans for a new £38m hospital are set to be scrapped.

Community leaders said they were 'appalled' that Havant's new hospital – which has been in the pipeline for 30 years – will now not happen.

NHS officials asked for the plans to be discontinued at a meeting on Thursday as they can no longer afford the £3m annual running costs of the hospital.

Pat Sutton, from Havant Residents' Association, said: 'They have spent all this money on Queen Alexandra Hospital and we are losing out in Havant. I am appalled.'

Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray said: 'Which other area with a population of 120,000, as well as parts of east Hampshire, hasn't got a community hospital? They can't afford it because they have put bureaucracy before beds.'

Oak Park Community Hospital, at River Way, would have offered services such as diagnostics, endoscopy and a minor-injury unit as well as 25 in-patient beds and 24 elderly mental health beds.

Havant MP David Willetts plans to write a strongly-worded letter to NHS Hampshire's chief executive, Richard Popplewell.

He said: 'This is not a list of luxury items – these are services which are taken for granted in most parts of Hampshire and yet are barely obtainable locally east of the A3.'

The NHS Hampshire Board did not finally discontinue plans for the hospital, because health officials must show how the services will be offered if no hospital is built.

Inger Hebden, director of capital planning for NHS Hampshire, said services could be provided by redeveloping the nearby Havant Health Centre and Oak Park Children's Centre, which opened in 2006 and offers paediatric services.

She said: 'I was disappointed when I first realised it (the new hospital] might not be affordable. We quickly had to think about other options.

'Momentum has already started in seeing other ways of doing this. I think we will still be able to provide the quality of service that the people of Havant wanted for their hospital.

'The services are more important than the building.'

The News 26 September 2009
 

20th September
 

New Conservation Group for Emsworth

A group of Emsworth Residents have formed “The Friends of Emsworth Waysides”.

Supported by Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, the group will try to conserve small areas that are, or could, be wayside gems all within the community. One such gem is Bridge Road car park, and our first mini nature reserve. We have already requested Hampshire County Council to establish this as a SINC, (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation).

At the first meeting on September 3rd at The Crown Hotel in Emsworth, chaired by Brendan Gibb-Gray and attended by 9 local residents and Andy Paffett of HBC, the Bridge Road Nature Reserve was set up. Andy Brook proposed the creation of a more broadly based group covering all such roadside reserves, of which Bridge Road Nature Reserve would be the first. Andy's proposal was accepted unanimously. It was decided to call this new 'umbrella group' the 'Friends of Emsworth Waysides', It is hoped that Emsworth could become a truly 'green' town with wild flowers everywhere.

Jane Brook, a founder member of the group, said,

“If you know a bank wherein the wild thyme grows? Or more importantly a path or road verge, a pocket of green space, where you would like to see wild flowers and butterflies thrive once more? Let the group know by contacting Brendan Gibb-Gray on 377355, Jane Brook on 389131 or Brian Fellows (Chairman) on 375548. The group will then organise one of the team to come out and look at the area. This community project and we need your help. Keep a watch on Emsworth's notice boards too for details on how to join the group, as a supporter or if you want to be actively involved.”

The group will have a website:  www.emsworthwaysides.hampshire.org.uk (not in operation yet).

Source: www.emsworthwildlife.com

14th September

Top =
 

12th September

Police still seek Attacker
 

A man was knocked unconscious and fleeced of £420 in a violent attack near a town centre last FridaySunday. 5^th September.

The 37-year-old man was walking through the subway that runs under Havant Road in Emsworth  was then knocked unconscious by a person who was walking by.

When he woke up, he had had £420 cash and his Sony Ericsson mobile phone stolen from him.  

Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack, which happened between midday and 2pm on Friday.

Detective Constable Deborah Alexander said: 'The victim cannot recall how long he was unconscious for and cannot provide a description of the suspect, so we are hoping that somebody on Havant Road or using the subway at this time remembers seeing the incident take place.'

Anyone with information should contact Waterlooville CID on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

6th September

Bungalow fire in Mill Lane, Emsworth

Fifty firefighters were called to The Barn in Mill Lane, Bedhampton, Havant, at about 0330 BST and found flames going up into the trees.

The owners were away, but were later traced by police. There had been concern they were inside.

Police said the cause was "doubtful" and the incident was being treated as a crime scene.

The detached bungalow and several outbuildings were razed to the ground.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "Fire investigators from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are working closely with police scenes of crime officers to establish the cause which is thought to be doubtful.

"Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything or anyone suspicious in the area prior to the fire to contact them."

BBC South 06-Sept-09

4th September

NHS accused of abandoning plans for new hospital

NHS bosses have been accused of making up their minds to abandon plans for a new hospital in Havant.

The proposed £38m Oak Park Community Hospital is on hold due to the recession.
But Emsworth councillor Brendan Gibb-Gray feared a decision had already been made on the hospital's future.
He spoke out at a meeting yesterday in which residents were asked to come up with alternative ideas for services planned for the new hospital at other NHS premises in Havant and East Hampshire.
'I think there is a lot of anger about this in the borough and I think people will be a bit more relaxed if you were really up front and truthful about what's going on,' he told NHS Hampshire chiefs.
'Those that have made enquiries know that Oak Park is on hold, those that were going to be building it and architects have been told it's on hold.
'I think you're doing a great disservice to many people who have followed this caravan around for years and years.
'You have got to come clean and say Oak Park is not going to happen in the near future and we would like to know what we're looking at, is it two, five or 10 years?
'People are angry that we have lost services at Emsworth Cottage Hospital on the promise that there would be a new community hospital in Havant.
'That is all we want.'
Cllr Gibb-Gray also said the workshops – with yesterday's meeting held at the Waterlooville Community Centre – were 'a total sham'.
Jack Climpson, non executive director on the board of NHS Hampshire, denied that it was a done deal.
He said: 'That is not the way we do things in the health service.
'We have got some difficult decisions to make because the budget is substantially reducing and because of that we have to look across all the areas of major expenditure and see if there are any other options.

The News 04 September 2009

3rd September

Emsworth annual show one of the best ever

Barbecue bank holiday weather sent thousands of people flocking to the annual Emsworth Show, which has been hailed as one of the best ever.

The event, held at Jubilee Recreation Ground, was organised by the Emsworth Horticultural Society which is this year celebrating its 90th anniversary.

The show on bank holiday Monday was so popular organisers had trouble finding room for all the exhibits in the main marquee.

This year the competition attracted more than 1,000 entries, with numerous specimens of perfect fruit and vegetables including a very large pumpkin.

The best in show was awarded to Isle of Wight resident Paul Rogers for his selection of three onions.

Around 6,000 people attended the show and to mark the horticultural society's 90th birthday, there was another marquee which housed a cookery demonstration, a talk about beekeeping and a flower arranging demonstration. Also popular was a display of Victorian gardening tools.

The family-friendly event had plenty of entertainment for children including a bouncy castle, magic shows, pony rides and a miniature railway. A fun dog show and BMX displays kept people of all ages entertained.

Staff from the falconry display by GMR Falconry had a slight panic in the afternoon when one of its birds decided to fly off and explore the area. The falcon was missing for some time, but found safe and sound in someone's garden.

Horticultural society member Dennis Doye said organisers had been very pleased with the show.

"The weather was wonderful which always helps and we had more entries in the show than before. The children's exhibits were very popular and we have had some very favourable comments."

Money raised from the show will go to charities and other worthy causes in the area.

Chicester Observer 03 September 2009

Top =
 

2nd September

Oak Park hospital future: Fears grow
 

HAVANT MP David Willetts has warned plans for a new £38million hospital in the town may already be dead.

The Tory believes the state-of-the-art hospital has become the latest victim of public spending cuts in the wake of the recession.

He said residents might have to make do with a 'patch-up job' of modernising existing health facilities, including Havant War Memorial Hospital, Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital and Havant Health Centre.

His comments come as cash-strapped NHS Hampshire has announced a financial review of the project, which was set to go ahead this summer after getting planning consent earlier this year.

Mr Willetts said: "I think we have a less than 50 per cent chance of getting a community hospital.

"It means the public expenditure crisis is hitting Havant harder and harder.

"We have had two flagship projects, improving the college campus and the new community hospital, and they have both hit the buffers in the last 12 months."

Havant War Memorial Hospital and Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital were due to close with the building of the new hospital, but Mr Willetts said they could be revamped to offer more facilities.

It would have meant around 25,000 patients – including those from Hayling Island - being treated closer to home rather than having to make the journey to either St Mary's Hospital, Milton, or the £50million superhospital at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, which was completed in July.

QA hospital bosses have already complained they are being over-run by large numbers of non-urgent patients flocking to Cosham.

Mr Willetts said Havant Health Centre, in Civic Centre Road, one of the largest GP surgeries in the country, could be redesigned to accommodate more facilities.

But he added: "It is a patch-up job. This is something we have wanted to see for years. It's very frustrating it's now looking unlikely."

NHS Hampshire says another round of public consultation will look at what residents think of cheaper options to deliver the same services, including outpatient treatment and a mental health ward for older people.

But Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, stressed no decisions had been taken.

She added: "I doubt we will have a firm decision by the end of September simply because we need to do more consultation.

"We will have a number of options which we think are feasible."

Hayling Islander 01-Sept-09

30thAugust

The Emsworth Business Association conduct an online Emsworth Shopping Survey

The EBA represents more than 100 small business and service providers in Emsworth and district. We are 11 years old this year and continue to promote the town as an excellent place to live, work and play,
The results of this survey will assist us in planning ahead and ensure that Emsworth town centre remains a special place.

Complete the Emsworth Shopping Survey now by clicking on the button below to give your views on Shopping in Emsworth and how it may be improved:

www.emsworth.org.uk
 

28th August

Emsworth Seasons Magazine to be Launched at the Emsworth Show on Bank Holiday Monday

Remember the Emsworth Cookbook? The magazine edition "Emsworth Seasons" is due to be launched at The Emsworth Show on Bank Holiday Monday. Written by John Tweddell and sponsored by The Emsworth Business Association, Borland and Bound and Emsworth Home Hardware, the 64 page magazine features:

• An eight page special on Emsworth's food history

• The best places to eat and drink in town

• Brand new recipes from Emsworth

• The official Seafood Week programme - October 19th -25th

Plus, much more and loads of original high quality photos all for just £2.00

Available from August Bank holiday Monday at the Emsworth Show and thereafter in Emsworth's Pubs Restaurants, and Shops.

More at : www.emsworthseasons.org  

27th August

Emsworth Conservation area Draft Character Appraisal

HBC Development management committee have agreed to endorse the draft Character Appraisal and Management Plan for the Emsworth Conservation Area which sets out the special interest of the area and the draft management proposals for community consultation.

Apart from a small modification to the boundary of the conservation area in Bath Road there are few changes since the last review between 1992 and 1994. The full report can be downloaded HERE. Arrangements for the public consultation will be announced shortly.

Source - Havant Borough Council

Top =
 

14th August

Campaigners' fury as community hospital is shelved

The public have thrown their weight behind a campaign to save a community hospital it is feared may never see the light of day.

Work was due to start on £38m Oak Park Hospital, in Havant, this summer but the recession has forced health bosses to review all major projects.
It would have meant around 25,000 patients being treated closer to home rather than having to make the journey to Portsmouth to either St Mary's Hospital, Milton, or Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital, Cosham.
So far 800 angry residents have signed a petition set up by Havant Conservative Association in a bid to persuade bosses at NHS Hampshire to give the community the hospital it was promised.
Leigh Park councillor Mike Fairhurst organised the campaign. He said: 'People are very upset about the situation.
'There is real anger that we have lost many services from Emsworth Cottage Hospital because this was in the pipeline.
'And St Mary's and QA are very difficult for elderly or infirm patients to get to.
'People recognise that QA will provide a very good service for the seriously ill, but they want a local service for less critical treatment.
'We are not going to give up on this – we were promised a hospital and that is what we should get.'
It was hoped that 30 per cent of outpatients visiting QA would have been able to go to Oak Park instead. But it will be a long process of more consultation before a decision on the hospital's future is made.
Ann Crocker, of Priorsdean Crescent, Leigh Park, said: 'We need as much healthcare as we can get in Havant. I've had major problems myself trying to get to the Portsmouth hospitals and I've even been given an appointment at Haslar before, which I could not get to from here.
'For elderly people and mums with young children it is vital we get a hospital in Havant.'
Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, said the petition would be taken into consideration. 'We actually have workshops where key stakeholders including councillors and the local community will look at all kinds of options,' he said.
Petitions are being sent out across Havant. To help with the campaign email info@havantconservatives. com or phone (023) 9247 5066.

The News 14 August 2009

7th August

Big thanks to the community


A memorial garden would not have been possible without the support of the community, a councillor said today.
Emsworth Memorial Garden is now there for residents to use and remembers all the men and women who gave their lives in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.

The garden features a plaque and a memorial statue called Absence. The garden was uADVERTISEMENTnveiled last month.

Councillor Virginia Wilson-Smith, chairman of The Friends of Emsworth Memorial Garden, said: 'We are delighted with the way the garden has evolved since its opening.

'I would like to thank the organisations, businesses of Emsworth and individuals, who have given us their support both financially and in spirit. The people of Emsworth can feel that this is their memorial garden as, without their support, we could not have done this.'

Sarah Sanderson, garden designer and manager from the Horticultural Society, added: 'Havant Borough Council has provided us with the space to create a tranquil and beautiful haven for people to enjoy and reflect in. I'm thrilled to have been a part of this community project that with the support and hard work from many people will give pleasure to its community for years to come.'

The News 06-Aug-09

6^th August

New hospital may never be built, says MP

Havant MP David Willetts has warned plans for a new £38m hospital in the town may already be dead.

The Tory believes the state-of-the-art hospital has become the latest victim of public spending cuts in the wake of the recession.

He said residents might have to make do with a 'patch-up job' of modernising existing health facilities, including Havant War Memorial Hospital, Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital and Havant Health Centre.

His comments come as cash-strapped NHS Hampshire has announced a financial review of the project, which was set to go ahead this summer after getting planning consent earlier this year.

Mr Willetts said: 'I think we have a less than 50 per cent chance of getting a community hospital. It means the public expenditure crisis is hitting Havant harder and harder. We have had two flagship projects, improving the college campus and the new community hospital, and they have both hit the buffers in the last 12 months.'

Havant War Memorial Hospital and Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital were due to close with the building of the new hospital, but Mr Willetts said they could be revamped to offer more facilities.

He said Havant Health Centre, in Civic Centre Road, one of the largest GP surgeries in the country, could be redesigned to accommodate more facilities.

But he added: 'It is a patch-up job. This is something we have wanted to see for years. It's very frustrating it's now looking unlikely.'

NHS Hampshire says another round of public consultation will look at what residents think of cheaper options to deliver the same services, including outpatient treatment and a mental health ward for older people.

But Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, stressed no decisions had been taken.

She added: 'I doubt we will have a firm decision by the end of September simply because we need to do more consultation.

'We will have a number of options which we think are feasible.'

The News 06-Aug-09

2nd August

Emsworth Summer Market Basks in Sunshine.

Once again the sun shone on Emsworth enabling residents and visitors alike to enjoy the third Emsworth Sunday Market.  With over fifty fine food and quality craft stalls the day was a great success with many visitors taking advantage of the freshly cooked food stalls and nearby pubs and cafés
.
 

www.emsworthfestivalmarkets.co.uk

28th July

Trader is sold to a UK conglomerate
The Tarquin Boat Company, the firm behind the Trader range of motoryachts, has been sold for £440,000.

A UK conglomerate of investors calling themselves the Trader Boat Company Ltd bought the business, with the deal concluded late on Friday 24 July.

Tarquin appointed administrators Portland Business and Financial Solutions to find a buyer for the company in June.

It is not known who is behind the acquisition.

"The conglomerate was set up as a vehicle to acquire the business," explained a spokesman for Portland. "There are a number of investors behind it.

"There was a bidding process and various parties expressed an interest. Theirs was the highest offer on the table.

"They took on the business as of Friday evening. It was quite a drawn out process. We hoped to conclude in the early part of July, but the size of the funds involved and the fact that they were coming from different parts of the UK meant it was a challenge to coordinate for them."

One of the first things the new owners will look at is the ongoing build of Trader's new models, as well as ensuring customer builds in process are continued.

Trader's yachts are built in Taiwan and China by separate and independent firms who have continued to make boats for other brands.

The Chappell family are expected to make a statement in the coming days. Tony Chappell started the Trader marque 30 years ago and has sold boats worldwide from his base in Emsworth, Hampshire.

Scource: Boating Business

24th July

1-31 August  Special exhibition in Emsworth Museum “CATHOLICS IN EMSWORTH 1959 to 2009”
  Fifty years of Catholics in Emsworth are celebrated in this exhibition set up by Father Tom Grufferty Items currently in use in the Ss Thomas Church and some artefacts rarely seen nowadays will all be on display.For the first Sunday of the exhibition, August 2nd. The Museum will be specially opened from 10.30 am to 4.30pm

Top =
 

11th July

Team out to smash speed record

A STEAM car team hoping to smash a land speed record begin their attempt in America today.

The British Steam Car Challenge crew are starting test runs on salt flats at Edwards Air Force Base, California, following inspections by the Southern Timing Association, the recognised body for land speed records.

The 360hp car, which weighs three tons, did several practice runs at Thorney Island MoD base near Emsworth in April and May 2008.

The team behind the car are based in Lymington, near the New Forest.

Test driver Don Wales, nephew of late speed ace Donald Campbell and grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell, was due to arrive at the base today to begin test runs.

The record the team aims to beat stands at 145.607 mph set by American Bob Barber in 1985.

The News 11 July 2009

9th July

Fareham medics hope to raise thousands with Emsworth gig

A group of dedicated medical staff are turning their talents to music to help raise funds for two of their colleagues. Nicky Newman and Clare Mounce are both mental health nurses at Ravenswood House, Fareham.

They are taking on a challenge of cycling 300km through the Jordan valley to raise funds for research to improve the health of women.

Now Miss Newman and Miss Mounce are hoping to raise £5,000 with donations from a gig at The Kings Arms in Emsworth tomorrow at 7.30pm.

The band are made up of staff who also work at Ravenswood, Heath Gunn, Dougie Da Santos, Chris Harries, Paul Gallagher and Tim Dixon, a social worker.

Mr Gunn, a manager for Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is the lead singer.

He said: 'We are proud of Nicky and Clare and what they are trying to do.

'We all work closely together and I know that they have been working really hard to train and raise money, we are just doing what we can to help.

'We tend to sing rock covers from the last 30 years, the gig is free but we hope to raise money through the raffle.

'We recently played in Havant and managed to raise £400.'

The News 09 July 2009

1st July

Celebration of 90 summers in Emsworth

A special exhibition is being held to commemorate 90 years of a horticultural society.
The month-long show is behind held at Emsworth Museum from July 4.

The exhibition on the RHS award-winning Emsworth Horticultural Society will document the significant part it has played in local life, from providing space for vegetable growing, to organising the annual show on August bank holiday.

There will be photos and artefacts on display.

It is open Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
 

The News 01 July 2009

26th June

Hospital plans put in doubt by cash crisis

Plans for a new £38m hospital are under threat because the NHS fears there may not be enough money to pay for it.

Work was originally due to start on the state-of-the-art community hospital in Havant this summer after a decade in the pipeline.

But the recession has forced NHS Hampshire bosses to review every major project across the county. Throughout June all work on NHS projects has stopped.

And a crunch board meeting in July will look at the affordability of all its schemes –- including Oak Park Hospital.

Inger Hebden, director of capital planning at NHS Hampshire, said a reduction in future government funding meant they may not have enough money to pay off the loan needed for the hospital.

 'We are taking stock of all our finances during June and will not be making any decisions until we can make sure we can afford it.

'I'm still hopeful (the hospital can be built) but not as confident as before. We need to concentrate on making sure that we provide all the services that Havant patients need even if we can't do everything we wanted to do.'

The hospital, which was given the go-ahead by Havant Borough Council in February, is aimed at taking the strain off the new Queen Alexandra 'superhospital' in Cosham by treating 25,000 out-patients every year.

Havant War Memorial Hospital was due to close when Oak Park was built but Mrs Hebden said it would remain open – along with 23 in-patient beds – for the foreseeable future.

Havant MP David Willetts said: 'I am very worried that this community hospital has been promised to us for years.

'It's an important part of the healthcare in our area. They are reviewing their finances and it's not yet dead.

'But the government has run out of money – they have completely messed up the education and health budget and we in Havant are the victims.

'I don't think this is the death knell, but there is a real question mark over it now.'

Chris Curry, an Emsworth resident who fought against the closure of Emsworth Cottage Hospital in 2007, said: 'We would be very disappointed if the hospital wasn't built because we had a long term vision.

The News 26 June 2009

22nd June

Calling All Gardening Guru’s

Last year Havant Borough Council scooped Silver Gilt in the large town/small city category in South and South East in Bloom competition. This year HBC are going for gold! Judging will take place on the Friday 10th July.

HBC are calling all gardeners on the judges’ route in Emsworth, Leigh Park, Warren Park, Warblington and Hayling Island, to display a poster in the window of their homes, businesses and schools if they wish to take part and support the South and South East in Bloom (SSEIB) competition.

Councillor David Collins, portfolio holder for environment and open spaces said:” We are very proud of our borough and our parks and open spaces are areas of natural beauty.

“We know that many residents and businesses share in our pride with beautiful floral displays in window boxes hanging baskets and allotments. We embrace their continued support and would encourage people to take part in this event and go for gold!”

 The competition ‘ SSEIB’ is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and is our regional competition. The council enters the borough to compete against other local authorities, looking at the quality of our parks, landscape and green environment. The aim is to improve and regenerate our local environment through the imaginative use of plants, shrubs, flowers and trees. Conservation and recycling projects together with clearing our streets of litter, graffiti and vandalism also play a major part.

Havant borough is very fortunate to have an abundance of green open space, parks and many areas of natural beauty to take pride in and care for. And residents of the borough are invited to share in that pride.

Emsworth Memorial Garden also won the Community Action Award in last year’s competition as well.

Source: Havant Borough Council

Top =
 

19th June

Sunshine, Seals & the Solar Heritage

With sunshine forecast for this weekend, why not make the most of it and come along on our Solar Heritage trip on Sunday morning (21 June). The commentary will be about Harbour Nature so you will be able to learn more about the Solent Seal project, find out about the thousands of birds that rely on Chichester Harbour and much more.

The boat trip departs from Itchenor at 11am for 1.5 hours. Please book in advance on 01243 513275. Adults £7, children up to 16 years £3.50.

19th June

19th June

Controversial plans of shellfish trader approved!

A controversial plan to start up a new fishmonger stall in Emsworth  given the go ahead by Havant Borough Council at its Licensing Committee on Wednesday. Businessman Jimmy Cairns applied for a licence to sell cooked shellfish and freshly caught fish from an old-fashioned cart on the promenade

He was given permission on the basis he would only sell shellfish and not fresh fish. The hand cart will be located to the north of the footbridge on the Emsworth promenade.

The committee granted consentsubject to the following conditions:
(a) the trader being permitted to sell local caught fish and cooked shellfish only;
(b) trading to be permitted within the location marked ‘X’ on the attached plan (;
(c) trading to be permitted between the hours of 10am to 5pm, Monday through to Sunday; and
(d) the trader complies with the following environmental health legislation
The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006
Regulation (EC) 852/2004
Regulation (EC) 853/2004
Regulation (EC) 178/2002
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
And any subsequent amendments to the above legislation
(e) any such conditions as the Council solicitor may consider appropriate

Source: Havant Borough Council

18th June

MPs’ expenses have been published today on the internet

Details of claims made by the Havant MP, David Willetts including the infamous lightbulb claim made in 2005, are now available online. Like all MPs, Mr Willetts was allowed to go through the forms to black out certain details.

More on the House of Commons website: www.parliament.uk

17th June

The Emsworth Show 2009

Preparations are well underway for this year’s Show which takes place on August 31st (Bank Holiday Monday) on the Jubilee Recreation Ground on the Horndean Road, Emsworth. The Society was formed (initially for allotment holders) in 1919 so this is our 90th year and we have plans to celebrate this, some of which take place at the 2009 Show.
A second marquee will be used to give demonstrations of flower arrangements, food preparation and beekeeping. Some of our judges will be holding a gardening clinic here, so bring your gardening problems to the experts and don’t forget your samples if you can bring them, for help in identifying your problem. Another of our judges will be stationed inside the marquee to explain why entries have or have not done well.
Yet another (small) tent will contain a time line of the Society and a display of the gardening tools which would have been used in some of the various decades since 1919.
Entrance to the Show remains at £2 per head (under 12s free) plus £2 per car if you wish to park in the Show Ground Car Park.

SCHEDULES
These are now available at the EHS Distribution Hut at the Washington Road allotment site on Sunday mornings (10am till noon) and from local Libraries and from the Tourist Information Centre at Beachlands on Hayling Island. Please note last year’s entrants will have their schedule delivered, by hand or post. Anyone who entered last year and does not receive a schedule by the end of June, should contact us and we will put that right.
This year, as an experiment, we have printed an extract from the main schedule for the children and young person’s classes. These will be held by local schools who will give them to their pupils on request. If anyone else would like one, please contact us.
To contact us, please see the contacts page.
Classes at the Show include flower arrangements, handicrafts, cookery and photography as well as the horticultural classes of vegetables, fruit and flowers.

Something for everyone, so why not have a go!


ENTERTAINMENT AT THE SHOW

This year we are pleased to be able to confirm the return of Jez Avery who was so much enjoyed a few years ago. Also we have retained the services of children’s entertainer Andy Cadabra, visiting the Emsworth Show for the first time. There will also be a full programme including Falconry, Dog training and the T.S.Unity Band. After receiving requests from the public, we hope to post the full time tables for both arenas by about mid August on www.emsworthhorticultralsociety.org.uk .

13th June

Havant Borough Local Development Framework Core Strategy
andResidential Car Parking and Cycle Provision Supplementary Planning Document Consultation

Havant Borough Council is formally consulting on the Core Strategy - Draft (Regulation 25) and the Residential Car Parking Supplementary Planning Document (Regulation 17). The consultation period is from the 12th June 2009 until the 24th July 2009. The Core Strategy is part of the Local Development Framework and sets out the overall development distribution strategy for the future of the borough over the next 20 years together with polices for determining planning applications and identifies nine strategic development sites.

At the same time there is consultation on the Residential Car Parking and Cycle Provision Supplementary Planning Document (Regulation 17). This sets out the proposed residential car and cycle parking standards for the borough.

The Core Strategy and the Residential Car Parking Supplementary Planning Document are available at the following locations; Havant Borough Council Civic Offices (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm); Havant library (Monday, Tuesday 9.00am to 5.30pm, Wednesday 9.00am to 1.00pm, Thursday 9.30am to 6pm, Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm); Hayling Island The Bridge Centre, Manor Road (Tuesday to Thursday 9.30 to 12.00); Visitor Information Centre, Beachlands (every day 9.30 to 5.30), Post Office, 5 Elm Grove, Mengham (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 12.30pm); Emsworth library (Monday 9.30am to 1pm, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, Wednesday Closed, Friday 9.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 7pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm, Sunday closed); Leigh Park library (Monday, Tuesday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday Closed, Thursday, Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9.30am to 4pm Sunday closed); Waterlooville library (Monday, Tuesday, Saturday 9.30am to 5pm, Wednesday 9.30am to 1pm, Thursday 9.30am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 7pm, Sunday closed).

Consultations on the web: www.havant.gov.uk/havant-9117

Public exhibitions of the proposals will be held at the Pastoral Centre, High Street, Emsworth on 16th June; at Mengham Road in Mengham on 18th June; at London Road pedestrian precinct, Waterlooville on 20th June and 10th July; in the Meridian Centre, Havant on 27th June; at Park Parade, Leigh Park on 9th July and at Havant market, West Street on 14th July. All these exhibitions will be staffed between 10am and 2pm. An evening exhibition will be staffed at the Civic Offices on 18th June (4.30pm to 7.30pm).

Any queries about the Local Development Framework, please contact us. Planning Policy and Urban Design, Havant Borough Council, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hants, PO9 2AX.

Tel: 023 92 446539

Source Havant Borough Council

12th June

Opposition to shellfish plan

AN entrepreneur may be thwarted in his attempt to set up a traditional fish stall in Emsworth.
Businessman Jimmy Cairns has applied for a licence to sell shellfish from an old-fashioned cart on the picturesque promenade.
But he has come under fierce opposition – as it could jeopardise one of the town's most prominent family businesses.
 M R Starr, Butchers in High Street, which also sells fresh fish, said it may have to lay off staff if Mr Cairns is given the go-ahead.
Michael Starr has owned the shop for 19 years and says he is already struggling.
'I have to pay wages and rates for 12 months a year while he will pay a tenth of that and soak up all the summer trade,' the 64-year-old said.
'There is no doubt that I will have to let the girl who works on the fish counter go because I can't compete with that.
'And that means Emsworth will be left with no fishmonger in the winter.
'I don't want to make someone unemployed but I'll have no choice.
'If he was opening up a shop I would accept that because we'd be on a level playing field but he isn't.'
Two of the three Emsworth ward councilors support the plans and a petition put before Havant Borough Council has 324 signatures in support of Mr Cairns.
But Brendan Gibb-Gray, Emsworth councilor and chairman of the Emsworth Business Association, is opposing the application.
He said: 'Whilst I'm an advocate of competition, I like competition to be fair.
'It does sound like a good idea and if we didn't have a fish shop already I would agree, but we have.
'Do we just want someone who is active for a few months or do we want someone who sells a wide range throughout the year?
'I've spoken to a lot of people who think it is a really good idea but fish is a precarious thing to sell and it could mean someone at Starr's loses their job.'
Havant's licensing committee will meet next Wednesday to discuss the issue.
Mr Cairns was not available for comment.

The News 12 June

Top =
 

11th June

Trader appoints administrator

The Tarquin Boat Company, which manufactures and sells the Trader range of motor yachts employing 18 people at its Emsworth boatyard, has appointed an administrator.

Trader MD Tony Chappell commented about his firm appointing an administrator.

He said: "Like many in the yachting industry, the banking crisis of autumn 2008 caused a reduction in new boat orders, which has led to the current situation.

"However, along with the first indicators of economic recovery, interest in new boat orders has increased in the second quarter of 2009.

"Obviously I feel disappointed that a business that has been so
successful for more than thirty years is now in a position where it must be restructured in order to move forward.

"But I remain optimistic for the future of Trader, as it is one of the most innovative and popular UK cruising yacht brands."

He promised it was far from the end of the Trader marque: "I would like to thank the customers and staff who have supported Trader over the years, making it one of the UK's top cruising yacht brands.

Carl Faulds and James Tickell of Portland Business and Financial Solutions were appointed administrators on Tuesday 9 June.

They are inviting potential buyers for the business to come forward, and say already some Trader owners have expressed an interest in investing in the company's future.

A spokesman for Portland Business and Financial Solutions told MBY: "Our role very much is trying to deal with existing boats which are in production and looking for buyers.

"We have only been involved for 24 hours but it is a sign of the times. People are not spending the kind of money on luxury goods that businesses like this need them to.

"They have got current orders and we're working through them but in terms of the future they have suffered a drop-off.

"We're still trying to work through where each sale is at. Customers are being contacted as we do so."

However he asked any Trader customers or potential buyers to get in touch with Portland.

The firm does not have any stock boats to sell off.

Family-run firm Tarquin are the highest profile UK marine industry victim of the recession so far.

CEO Tony Chappell has been a key figure in the UK marine business for the past 30 years, selling boats to customers worldwide from his Emsworth base.

The news will send shockwaves throughout the industry and perhaps persuade other builders to tighten their belts yet further until the economy shows signs of improving.

Trader unveiled plans for their innovative 38 Sprint in November last year to wide acclaim, selling the first boat off-plan.

Earlier this year the firm unveiled their impressive Trader 75, a new flagship and a move into the lucrative big boat market.

The launch was timed to coincide with the marque's 30th anniversary.

Source: Motor Boat and Yachting

11th June

100 per cent start as Emsworth lose derby

HAYLING Island Cricket Club started the season in blistering form with both the senior teams winning their first two games with ease.
Unusually the first game for both teams was against local rivals Emsworth.

The games were characterised by excellent team performances with a few notable mentions, young "Swanny" scored 49 and "Gorvy" picked up 3-11 for the Seconds.

In the firsts, it was mainly a top quality performance by all the bowlers which won the day as they shared the spoils.

Both the Seconds matches were equally enthralling with the Firsts again thumping Gosport II thanks to some fine batting from J Jones (46) and M Mcdowell hitting 42.

There were also excellent all-round bowling performances from A Shayegan and R Poole, who bagged three wickets each.

The Seconds beat Locks Heath III with Gary Martin scoring a top drawer 72, assisted ably by a young at heart Rob Cordell 47.

Hayling Islander 11 June 2009

10th June

Exhibition for Emsworth school centenary

The history of a school which is now 100 years old is being told in an exhibition. Emsworth Museum has reminiscences, artefacts and photos from former pupils taught at the Washington Road Primary School.

It opened as a council-run junior school in 1909 and is now the home of Glenwood School for children with learning disabilities.

Some of Emsworth's oldest families were taught there and have contributed to the exhibition. There are also recordings of pupils from more than 80 years ago.

The museum is open Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.30pm and Sundays 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The exhibition runs throughout June.

For more information go to www.emsworthmuseum.co.uk  or call 01243 373780.
 

The News 10 June 2009

7^th June

Tories romp home in Emsworth

Unsurprisingly, Emsworth remained blue, on a greatly reduced turn out, with the election of Ray Bolton as a County Councillor but with a reduced share of the vote, down by 4.4% compared to his predecessor , David Gillett in 2005. Likewise, Labour were driven into last place behind the Greens with their share of the result reduced by 10.7%

For the first time UKIP had a candidate and came third in the poll impacting on the other parties.

29th May

Havant Literary Festival judges are unveiled

The judges of competitions at the Havant Literary Festival have been announced.

The second annual festival will run from September 25 to October 4 with a full programme including talks from Fay Weldon, Maggie Gee and Stella Duffy and a poet in a shed.

There are also several competitions being run in the run-up to the event.

 Emsworth author Vanessa Curtis will be one of the judges of the children's short story competition which, along with the poetry competition, has launched in schools across Havant.

The theme is 'other people's shoes' – tying in with one of the festival's three main themes of crime, water and journeying.

The festival hopes young writers will be inspired to explore alternative viewpoints, characters and situations. The other short story judge is Jayne Woodhouse, who writes The Victorians for the BBC. Southsea poet Maggie Sawkins will judge the poetry entries and conduct workshops in some schools.

 All the winners will receive their prize from a VIP guest at the festival's grand opening and prize giving ceremony at Havant Arts Centre on September 25.

 The News's education reporter, Siôn Donovan, who spearheaded the News's Spread the Word literacy campaign last year, will judge the adult short story competition which is also inspired by the journeying theme.

 The adult poetry competition has also now launched. The judge is the widely published poet Anne Stewart.
The maximum number of lines is 40 on the theme 'water'.
E-mail hlfnewsletter@googlemail.com  for an application form – or download one from www.havantlitfest.org.uk  Closing date is August 1.

The News 28 May 2009

20th May

A free festival at Staunton Park, Havant that promises to deliver the very best in family entertainment with a programme that explores on of our vital resources - water! - Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th July 2009

The event is being put together by the organisers of the Emsworth Food Festival, which was scrapped last year as some residents and businesses thought it had become too big for the town.

The water festival has been held in Winchester and Romsey over the past few years and has attracted up to 10,000 people over two days.

• FREE entry to event and Staunton Park, including Gardens and Farm
• Over 50 exhibitors to include gardening and local food producers
• Workshops and demonstrations of water efficiency and conservation
• Hands-on activities for the whole family
• Open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Children’s activities
• Live entertainment

For more information contact:
Lulu Bowerman – Event Organiser
Email: lulu.bowerman@googlemail.com
Tel: 023 9245 3405
Web: www.hampshirewaterfestival.co.uk

Read the article in The News

14 May

8th May

A&E department to remain at St Richards Hospital

The service model proposed by clinicians and backed by Sir Graeme Catto, which would keep A&E services in all three hospitals (St Richards Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital and Worthing Hospital), has been approved by West Sussex Primary Care Trust at a board meeting held today (07 May 2008).

Model three which did not feature in the original proposals and was designed by clinicians during the consultation period last year received overwhelming support at today’s board meeting held in Haywards Heath.

John Wilderspin, Chief Executive of West Sussex PCT said the model approved was the ‘best model for providing hospital care for people in West Sussex’. Speaking after the board he said: “This model has the support of the local NHS and has been designed with the public’s views in mind. It will ensure that the majority of people can still go to their local A&E apart from those needing really specialist care who will be better supported in a hospital with more specialist services. I believe this is the best model for hospital services in West Sussex.”

Sir Graeme Catto, President of the General Medical Council and Independent Chair of the Options Assessment Panel, who looked at the proposals for West Sussex said he was delighted that the board approved model three. He said: “The case for change made by the PCT was very clear.  Healthcare cannot stand still and changes have to be made. But the public’s voice was also clear – the majority did not want to lose A&E services or see a reduction in health services at their local hospital. By adopting this model for the people of West Sussex, I think that the (West Sussex) PCT has listened to clinicians and the public but at the same time has ensured the model for hospital care is one that will last. Model three means health services will remain local where possible and will only be centralised where the benefits for patients are clear – such as maternity services. I welcome this news. ”

A&E services will stay at Princess Royal, St Richard’s and Worthing Hospitals, together with intensive care (treatment and monitoring for people who are in a critically ill, or unstable, condition), routine planned surgery (when a patient goes into hospital on a specific day, for a specific operation, such as a hernia repair) and acute medical emergencies, for example heart attacks.

There will be the gradual centralisation to one hospital site of some services: consultant-led maternity services, inpatient children’s services, emergency surgery, for example acute appendicitis and the majority of trauma cases, including hip fractures. These changes will be supported by the development of services in primary and community care and increased investment in the ambulance service.

As well as the consultant-led maternity service, West Sussex PCT has promised to  increase the range of birthing options for local women by providing two midwife-led units at other locations in West Sussex; a service which is currently not available.

Source: West Sussex PCT 7^th May 09

7th May

Residents set to fight plans for 700 homes

Neighbours say they are ready for a fight over proposals to build hundreds of new homes on their doorstep.

People living in Emsworth say they will oppose a plan to build 700 new homes in the village over the next two decades.

They are angry as up to 90 per cent of those new homes could be on green spaces.

The row comes as Havant Borough Council has forged ahead with proposals to build 6,300 new homes in the borough to meet government house building targets.

The council's executive voted at a meeting on Wednesday to put out the report for public consultation in June.

Residents say they are going to make their views known during the six-week consultation.

Pene Salter, of Birch Tree Drive, Emsworth, a member of Emsworth Residents' Association, said: 'We are not going down without a fight.
'This is just urban sprawl and we seem to be spreading concrete across the whole of the region.
'We should be looking at refurbishing empty homes, rather than building out.
'These fields are our green lungs and I just think it's criminal to build on them.'

The council has not confirmed any sites in Emsworth that could be developed in the new report, although other sites, such as Woodcroft Farm in Waterlooville and Hayling Island seafront have been confirmed as 'strategic' sites for development.

But last year, as part of an earlier council report, possible sites for development were 280 homes in the Emsworth Gap, which is farmland between the village and Westbourne, 227 homes to the west and east of Horndean Road and 123 dwellings at Horse Field, south of the A259 in Emsworth.

Council leader Tony Briggs said all councils had a statutory duty to produce house building targets.

He said: 'These are the numbers we have to provide between now and 2026.
'But we have always said the infrastructure has to be in place before these properties are built.'

Asked whether the targets could be met, he added: 'In the present economic climate, that is extremely doubtful.
'It's quite clear the housing numbers that have been allocated across the country are not going to be achieved in the present economic climate.'

The News 05 May 2009

7th May

The News 05 May 2009

7th May

CCTV in the Havant Borough

Havant Borough Council is investing in the future of CCTV in the borough

Havant Borough Council agreed to some major changes in CCTV provision within the borough on the 25th of March 2009, following an extensive evidence-based review of the current scheme.

The review of current CCTV provision has been conducted to ensure that a more focused and future proof system is in place to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in identified areas of need across the Havant Borough.  The findings of the recent review along with strategic recommendations were presented at the meeting on Wednesday 25 March.

Making the borough a safer place to live, work and visit and tackling anti-social behaviour and crime are key objectives of the Havant Borough Council Community Strategy, the Corporate Strategy and the Crime and Disorder Strategy.  The provision of public space CCTV is an important element in achieving these aims as part of a fully co-ordinated partnership approach to community safety.

As part of the recent review, a comprehensive technical survey of the Havant CCTV command and control system was undertaken, which found that the current system has outlived its useful life.  The system is in need of a complete overhaul and upgrading to digital recording technology.  Many of the camera units are outdated and spare parts are no longer available.  With new technology appearing on the market it was felt that it was time to review the current system.

At the meeting on the 25th of March it was decided that:

• The current CCTV control room will be upgraded to enable digital recording.
• There will be a maximum of 40 fixed CCTV cameras at locations to be confirmed in liaison with key stakeholders, informed by the analysis of crime and anti-social behaviour trends. Core provision will include town centres and identified crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots with the flexibility to provide cover for identified areas of particular concern.
• The remaining cameras will be disconnected from the fibre network but left in place.
• The council will invest in four re-deployable CCTV systems to enable the flexibility to respond to new demands.
• Cameras will still be recording 24-hours a day, seven days a week although live monitoring hours within the control room will be reduced from 24 hours to 16 hours weekdays and 18 hours at weekends.
• A CCTV steering group will be formed of key stakeholders to review the council’s CCTV strategy and operating protocols and officers will continue to monitor the  development of wireless CCTV nationally.

  Source: Safer Havant Partnership
   

  ---

26^th April

24^th April

St George's Day Video

Courtesy of The News

23^rd April

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

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

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

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

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

 

Mid Sussex Times: 23 April 2009

13^th April

 Steam Hauled Train Marks Anniversary

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

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

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

Source: Havant Borough Council
Photo: Carol Swift

11th April

New Havant Tesco store approved

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

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

The old store will close on April 19th

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

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

3rd April

Havant District Pubwatch Launch New Website

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.havant-district-pubwatch.co.uk

30th March

Sailors rescued from Chichester Harbour boat blaze

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

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

28th March

EMSWORTH'S BARMAIDS PRESENT CHEQUE

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

24th March
 

EMEMSWORTH'S BARMAIDS RAISE £2500 FOR ST WILFRIDS HOSPICE

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

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

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

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

17th March

15th March

WORK STARTS AT EAST HEAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

  ---

12 March

12th March

10th March

7th March

4th March

My, what a scrumptious pie

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

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

 Midhurst and Petworth Observer 05 March 2009

24th February

New Tesco store for Havant moves forward
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contacts:

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

24th February

Relaying the Pavements in South Street

Work proceeds apace

21st February

Summary Document 

20th February

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

The oyster pens in 1886

7th February

3rd February

Emsworth in the Snow

3rd February

SNOW: Chaos on the Sussex roads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Midhurst & Petworth Observer 03 February 2009

30th January

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

Read the full Report

25th January

Proposals announced to manage the risk of coastal flooding and erosion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HBC January 2008

24th January

Plans for festival of food left on shelf

NO major food festival will be held in the Havant area this year for the first time in eight years.

The organisers of A Thought for Food in Havant – put on by the same team behind the Emsworth Food Festival – have pulled the plug on the event.

The credit crunch, coupled with a less-than- expected turnout at the Stansted Park festival last Septem ber, meant organisers only just broke even.

Now Alistair Gibson, the director of the festival, has decided it will not go ahead this year and the future remains uncertain.

Mr Gibson, The News's wine correspondent, said he had wanted to carry on the spirit of the extremely successful Emsworth Food Festival, which at its peak attracted 50,000 visitors to the village over a weekend.

'I loved the whole thing and everything that went with the Emsworth Food Festival.

'A Thought for Food was hopefully something that could be carried forward, but it wasn't to be, that's life,' he said.

While Mr Gibson and co-director Lulu Bowerman received high praise for the festival layout, which included a range of producers, cookery demonstrations and wine tastings, the elements conspired against them.

Torrential rain hit visitor numbers, and there was also controversy when saboteurs painted over dozens of signs giving directions to the festival.

'We were looking forward to 12,000 to 15,000, but only got around 5,000 to 6,000. We just didn't get the numbers,' said Mr Gibson.

With the internationally renowned Emsworth Food Festival scrapped after the 2007 event because it had become too big for the area, it means there will be no major food festival in the Havant borough.

'I'm a passionate foodie and I'm passionate about organic local produce and support local producers,' said Mr Gibson.

'So we will be constantly looking at opportunities that arise and who knows what will happen in 2010.'

The News 24^th January

24th January

We're going to save the planet – taking small steps at first

Villagers in Westbourne are being asked to sign a green pledge

PEOPLE living in a West Sussex village are being asked to sign up to pledges to save the planet and help beat the credit crunch.

The people of Westbourne, near Emsworth, are hoping to save a total of £122,000 a year by thinking green and taking small steps towards controlling climate change.

Members of the Greening Westbourne campaign, chaired by Colin Carré, have put together an eight-point plan and are asking all 1,000 households in the village to make a start by following just five of the steps.

Mr Carré, a 43-year-old training manager, said: 'We just wanted to take action. I don't see this as a government responsibility, as anyone else's responsibility apart from our own, so that is why we are doing this.

'Everyone has their part to play and I believe that there are big changes coming and we are going to have to adapt in order to control climate change.

'By taking these small steps now, we will get used to the idea of changing our habits.'

Westbourne Primary School, the Allotment Association and other community groups are all getting on board to change their way of thinking when it comes to the environment and to save money.

Greening campaigns have been springing up across Hampshire and West Sussex. They are the brainchild of Terena Plowright, former manager of the Sustainability Centre in East Meon, who now leads the campaign full time.

The idea is to get every household to follow five or more steps of the eight-point plan and, once they have committed, to display the cards in their windows.

From this information the annual CO2 cut for the community can be estimated and reported. For Petersfield the saving was 23 tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of a single ton of carbon dioxide would cover roughly the size of a four-bedroom house.

The next campaign meeting is on Monday at 7.30pm in the Baptist Church, North Street, Westbourne.

For further information or to find out more about running a campaign in West Sussex visit www.greening campaign.co.uk or contact Emma Livett, environment officer at Chichester District Council on 01243 785166 ext 4126 or orlivett@chichester. gov.uk.

The News 23^rd January

20th January

Calm returns as flats plan is abandoned

Residents have won their battle against the redevelopment of a prime waterside location.

The Mill Pond, in Emsworth, is set to retain its quiet charm after campaigners stopped a block of flats being built.

Two years ago villagers were outraged when developers wanted to rip down a house and put up a three-storey apartment block. The plan was turned down by Havant Borough Council, but there was always a question mark over the future of the empty house.

However, residents can now breathe a sigh of relief as the site in Bath Road is to remain a house.
New plans to demolish part of the property and make it a larger, six-bedroom, family home was given the green light by councillors.

Resident Anna Wildman, 52, of Bath Road, said: 'It's not the block of flats – everyone is delighted. It's great that it has been resolved.'
The harbourside setting is known for its views and is a Conservation Area as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy objected to the latest proposals, arguing the design was too 'bulky'.
But councillors agreed it was a much better option than flats.
Councillor Paul Buckley told the planning meeting: 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
'This is a substantial house on a substantial plot and I do not think we have the grounds to turn it down.'
Councillor David Guest, who heads heritage at Havant Borough Council, added: 'When you consider demolishing something in a conservation area you have to put in something that is better,
'A block of flats in this location was not right for the site, not least to all the residents.'
He said he was not keen on pulling down houses and replacing them with flats.
He added: 'I am not keen on it, but it depends on the location and the quality of accommodation it provides.
'If it's get-rich-quick and pile- them-high, then I am not keen on that.'

The News 20-01-09

18th January

Yacht Harbour Dredging:

The Marina is being dredged at present - the contractor, Land and Water Services Ltd., started his preparations on 1st. December and is due to finish late February or early March to meet the restrictions imposed by the licence from DEFRA.

Dredging is being carried out using a pontoon mounted unit. The silt is being placed into hopper barges which are being towed to the disposal site near the entrance to Chichester Harbour from where it will be spread by the tide across the harbour.

Excavating in Marina

Work within the marina is being carried out from two and a half hours before high water until half an hour after high water on each tide thus the unit effectively only operates for a ximum of 5 hours within any 24 hour period. Three/four men are living in caravans onthe marina site and are working to a schedule of roughly ten days on four days off.

Barges Excavating in Marina of silt ready to go out to sea

Slipper Pond Preservation Association Dec-08 Newsletter

16th January

Cuppa and a chat on offer at home

A nursing home is opening to the community to help residents form friendships.

Mrs Powell said: 'I hate to think the residents feel they have been left here. I want them to lead as independent a life a possible and that means having links with the community.

'We want to get the community involved in the home even though we have our own social care staff who sit and chat.

'It is just nice for everyone to see some new faces here.'

On Saturday, January 24, a coffee morning is being held for volunteers who think they would like to take part in the scheme.

It will run from 10am until midday and the start date for the coffee and chats will be decided afterwards.

 

The News 16-Jan-09

12th January

Havant gets help to tackle climate change

The Energy Saving Trust is set to work with Havant Borough Council on a new two-year, One to One support programme designed to help tackle climate change issues at a local level.

Havant Borough Council is already working to address climate change but acknowledges there are areas where partnership working with the Energy Saving Trust will identify further courses of action. This new initiative will help the council to tackle sustainable energy issues across the borough, focusing particularly on housing, transport and the wider community.

An initial audit process will take place throughout January to identify which actions are most appropriate for Havant. Following this, initial recommendations will be made to ensure that Havant Borough Council is on course to meet local and national energy and climate change targets.

The programme works on a seven stage process that takes place over two years to develop, implement and review a climate change action plan, with the aim to help council’s:

Tackle climate change and reduce your authority area's carbon emissions
Review existing activities and benchmark performance against other councils
Have access to an expert consultant who will help you motivate individuals and build commitment throughout the organisation
Understand and act upon climate change indicators within the new local government performance framework
Demonstrate your leadership to the local community

Havant Borough Council’s application for this service was amongst high competition, with only six local authorities in the Thames Valley and Solent area (stretching from Milton Keynes in the north to the Isle of Wight in the south) accepted in the first round of the programme.

 

11th January

 

A calendar featuring naked barmaids has set hearts racing in a village.

The calendar has been selling in its droves in Emsworth with more than 1,000 copies cold.

The calendar is a charity money-spinner by barmaids at The Coal Exchange pub in South Street.

As previously reported in The News, they wanted to raise money for battered women.

The scantily-clad women were photographed at various locations in the village, including the Mill Pond, outside the pub in South Street and at Flintstones Tea Room.

The barmaids have raised £3,000 so far, but say they want to raise even more.

They have set a target of £5,000 and are keen to reach a larger audience outside Emsworth.

Amy Summers, 24, of Brook Gardens, who is a student at the London School of Economics, said: 'It's been very popular in Emsworth.

'It's a novel thing for a small village. We have had all sorts of people buying it.

'It's been mostly men, but then we have also had quite a few women buying them. I don't know if it's for themselves or their husbands or boyfriends. The village has been really great at supporting us.'

The barmaids are looking into other ways of selling the calendar, including attending Pompey and other football matches.

They have also been sporting pink sashes with their calendar months to whip up more sales.

Miss Summers, whose sister Heidi also appears in the calendar, said: 'People often come in and ask if we have the calendar. People will say "Why are you Miss July?" and we can explain and it creates a bit more interest.'

Proceeds from the calendar will go to Havant Women's Aid, as well as some of the money going to St Wilfred's Hospice in Chichester.

The 2009 calendar, costing £4, can be bought at www.emsworthbarmaids.org.uk   or by e-mailing: emsworth-calendar@hotmail.com

The News 09-Jan-09

---

10th January

Walking on Ice

The frozen Mill Pond attracted the foolhardy!

19th January

8th January

Bringing services to you
Want an easier, more convenient way to access council services?


Well now you can find help closer to home just by visiting your local library where one of our customer services officers will be on hand to provide you with any advice you need about Havant Borough Council’s services.



We’ll be in libraries from 12 January 2009. Come and visit us on the following days:

6th January

Village goes green with tree recycling
 

People have been putting their sorry-looking Christmas trees to good use by recycling them.

Villagers in Westbourne, near Emsworth, have been doing their bit for the planet at a community recycling session. The village square was a sight to behold as dozens of families dragged their Christmas trees through the streets to be recycled. More than 70 trees were turned into chippings at the event, organised by the Greening Westbourne Campaign, a group of villagers committed to fighting climate change by getting people to take a few simple steps to help the environment. Westbourne tree surgeon Mike Reed, of M Reed Tree Service, performed the chipping for free at the event. Colin Carré, acting chairman of the campaign, said: 'The recycling event went really well.

John Taylor, six, left, and his brother James, eight, brought their family Christmas tree to the Westbourne recycling event

The vast majority of people carried or dragged their trees to the square instead of using their cars, which was great.

'Some people used wheelbarrows and others turned up in vans, with their neighbours' trees as well as theirs. An impressive number of families turned up.'

The campaign's next public meeting is at 7.30pm on January 13 at the Baptist church hall, North Street.

The News 06January 2009

---

5th January

3rd January

27th December