27th December

A new partnership between WemsFest and Harbour Records (Emsworth) could see a series of mini-festivals being staged in the Hampshire town starting with a Blues Festival on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 January.

WemsFest Artistic Director Mark Ringwood explained "Early in the New Year may seem a strange time to be promoting live music but we can take heart from Glasgow's Celtic Connections Festival which has been taking place in January for almost 30 years with year on year success.  Working with Ken and Rob at Harbour Records we wanted to give people a reason to visit Emsworth at what is traditionally a quiet time of the year.  We're starting small with two ticketed events, and an afternoon of free music in The Coal Exchange and The Crown Inn - both pubs have bought into the idea and we hope that more will become involved as time progresses. 

The ticketed gigs are in St. James Parish Hall and feature Dana Gillespie, Dino Baptiste, and The London Blues Band on Friday 13 January and the following night The Bonham-Bullick Band play the same venue.

On Saturday 14 January JC & Angelina Grimshaw travel from the Isle of Wight to play two free sets, in the aforementioned pubs, as will The Desperate Dan Duo from Worthing, and Portsmouth's Sons of the Delta between 2pm and 5pm.

The new partnership hopes to stage more mini-festivals involving country, folk, and jazz musicians during 2023."

Tickets available from: Bookends, and Harbour Records, in Emsworth, and wegottickets.com

17th December

Potentially dangerous E. coli readings far-exceeding the safe limit at Chichester Harbour

The readings are part of a more extensive study looking at 500 chemicals in the water

Potentially dangerous levels of E. coli bacteria, hundreds of times the maximum safe limit, have been found at several bathing sites in Sussex and Hampshire following recent tests. The tests were undertaken by the Clean Harbours Partnership (CHP), an evidence-based group undertaking studies on water quality at sites across the southeast.  The group took readings in November after hundreds of hours of sewage releases into the sea following stormy weather to determine the levels of the E. coli bacteria in the water. They are also undertaking a more thorough test for 500 different pollutants - this is likely to be released next spring with Chichester Harbour one area they are looking into.

A safe level of E. coli is deemed to be 250 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100ml whilst 500 cfu/100ml is deemed a failure which poses a risk to human health. At a site in Furzefield, near Bosham, a reading of 50,000 cfu/100ml was recorded, 100 times the maximum level and 200 times the level deemed 'excellent.'

Additional E. coli samples were also taken at Langstone Harbour, where the Budds Farm treatment centre is located, where a reading of 380,000 cfu/100ml was recorded, 760 times the safe limit. At a site in Emsworth, a reading of 7,300 cfu/100ml was recorded by the CHP.  Typical symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and a fever. Whilst some people recover from their symptoms within seven days, for others it can be much more serious or even life-threatening.  Speaking of the result, Rob Bailey, a founding member of CHP, said: "It is shocking, we didn’t think they [the results] would be good but we didn’t think they’d be this bad.

"It’s a proxy or an indicator to what else might be there, and that’s what we don’t know, and that’s what no one is telling us. There are concerns over the concentrations of e-coli and the bacteria, but there’s added concern about what else is in the water.”  Rob was previously a sea swimmer in the surrounding area and began investigating the issue around 18 months ago after he and other swimmers became unwell after entering the water. He pointed out that there were "various signs that things weren’t right" which led to the CHP being formed, uniting several other local campaign groups.

But whilst Southern Water is one of those attracting much of the blame, Rob pointed out that other factors also contribute: “There are five main polluters and Southern Water is often the lightning conductor for this issue. But there’s also pollution that comes from highway runoff, agricultural runoff, leaching from old landfill sites, and there’s us humans ourselves whether its sailing activity or dog walking, whatever it might be, we contribute as well as Southern Water.”

Southern Water has pledged to invest considerable amounts to improve the water quality but these projects take time to bring into force. A new £79m pipeline is among the projects that Southern Water is undertaking.

CHP, which now has a committee including several scientists, has funded Project Spotlight to look into the issue. The Universities of Portsmouth and Brunel will complete the research which tests for the presence of 500 chemicals in the water, ranging from pharmaceuticals to pesticides.  Speaking on the initial data release, Bianca Carr of CHP added: “We believe it is important to share these findings with the public so that harbour users can make more informed decisions about when they get out on or into the water. We have found high concentrations of bacteria near the sewage outfalls.

"However, there are few signs informing the public of this danger and despite not being designated bathing water they are regularly used recreationally by local communities. In the interest of public safety, we would like to see clear signage recommending that nobody uses the inshore waters after storms.”

A Southern Water spokesperson said “There are very many sources of E-coli, including boats in working harbours and busy waterways, agriculture, industry private sewer networks, and contaminated road runoff, to name a few. We are currently completing projects in this area to prevent surface and groundwater forcing its way into our sewer network which will reduce the need for storm releases.

"This includes a £79m pipeline which will take wastewater from the Chichester area to other treatment works to support local development and population growth. We continue to work very closely with a range of partners to protect and enhance water quality, including local and national government.”

Sussex Live 17^th December

13th December

Youngsters spotted playing on the ice of Emsworth Mill Pond amid the Solihull Lake deaths

Youngsters have been spotted potentially dicing with death as they got on the ice of Emsworth Mill Pond.

Three youngsters were spotted yesterday afternoon playing on the ice of the Emsworth Mill Pond – despite the deaths of three children in Solihull who fell through the ice of a lake in Babbs Mill Park. They were messing around on the thin sheet of ice, when Liz Iddon noticed their recklessness as they continued to walk around with no cause for concern.

Liz, of nearby Hayling Island, was enroute to visit her parents in Emsworth, when she saw the group on the frozen water.

She said: “There were three of them and they weren’t that young, they were old enough to know better. It is unbelievable.

“I was born in 1969, so we were used to really harsh winters when we were kids, and we would go out on the ice, but we wouldn’t go anywhere near it if it was less than 5in thick, but this was centimetres.”

Liz posted the photograph she captured on Facebook to try and warn others from going on frozen water, in a bid to prevent fatalities.   She said: “I had to post it because of what has happened in Solihull.  It is putting the responders in real trouble as well but they don’t think about that when they get into difficulty.”

This comes as three children, ages 8, 10 and 11, died after falling through the ice of a frozen lake in Solihull, near Birmingham, on Sunday afternoon. One child, age 6, is still in a critical condition in hospital.  The BBC reported that one of police officers at the scene had to punch the frozen ice to try and rescue the children who had fallen through into the cold water.

A spokesman from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said: “With the cold weather set to continue, we ask that you are careful around open water and never go onto frozen lakes, ponds, canals or reservoirs.

“In an emergency always dial 999. Follow our guidance to stay safe on and around water.”

The News 13^th December

12th December

Proposed merger of the Emsworth Forum and Emsworth Residents Association

The Forum was set up to develop the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan, which was approved by referendum in 2021.  With the adoption of the plan the Forum has a continuing role in managing the interface with Havant Borough Council.  The Residents Association is a long-established organisation which represents its members and publishes the EMS. These two organisations share the common aim of helping to make Emsworth an even better place to live and work.

There is a substantial overlap in their functions and the people involved in running them, so it is proposed that they should merge to form a new organisation, the Emsworth Residents Forum.  Members of the two organisations will be asked to vote on this proposal at a joint meeting on 12th January at 7pm in the Community Centre.  If you are a member of either organisation you will receive further details of the meeting, and of the arrangements for merging the two memberships.

Emsworth Community Land Trust December 8th, 2022

9th December

HAVANT MP joined the first British Astronaut, Tim Peake, to complete a spacewalk, to launch the Ems Valley Memorial Arboretum.

Havant MP Alan Mak joined Major Tim Peake CMG to launch the project, situated on a six-acre site on Hampshire Farm Meadows, Emsworth. Founded by resident Brendan Gibb-Gray the project aims to plant 250 trees over the course of the next five years.

As a patron of the Arboretum, Major Peake gave a speech before planting the first tree in the ground, alongside dozens of the community, in memory of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project which Her Late Majesty wanted to see start in this, her Platinum Jubilee year.

He planted a sequoia, one of the planet’s tallest growing trees. Mr Gibb-Gray said: ‘We have three main objectives for the arboretum, one where people can remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones no longer with us and two the environmental benefits that will accrue to the area. The third objective is to help the younger generation to be aware of and appreciate the environmental value of local trees.

‘We would like to thank all our donors and supporters for their help in bringing this exciting and unique project to fruition.’

Mr Mak said: ‘I am delighted to support this important community project which is serving both as a lasting legacy of lost loved ones and friends who we hold dear in this community, and as a way of enhancing our environment.’

The News 9th November

26th November

CHRISTMAS decorations have been illuminated in Emsworth and Hayling Island, with the community turning to ensure the events were 'chock-full' of people ready for the festive season.

Santa Claus was kept busy with his attendance at St Peter’s Square in Emsworth on last Friday evening and then Mengham Road in Hayling Island on Saturday afternoon as the Havant communities became illuminate with their Christmas lights. Santa’s grottos, school choirs, and a range of stalls and activities kept the large crows entertained across both events. which were well attended according to the Mayor of Havant, Councillor Diana Patrick.

The Havant Borough Councillor said: 'Emsworth was very well attended as it usually is. We had children from three schools singing - they had a bit of a problem with the sound, so they had to sing a-cappella - they were great. It was interesting to see how they immediately rushed to Father Christmas, wanting cuddles. It was very sweet to see.’

Giles Babb, owner of the Blue Bell Inn in South Street, Emsworth, said Councillor Lulu Bowerman and fellow volunteers had done a ‘fantastic’ job setting up the town’s annual ‘lobster pot Christmas tree’, which attracted people from near and far.

Praising the Christmas lights switch-on, the business man said: ‘It’s Emsworth at its best. It definitely makes a real difference in terms of trade. It is one of the best days of the year for trade.’

Meanwhile on Hayling Island, new independent traders also reported the importance of the annual tradition for keeping the high street alive.

Cllr Patrick said: ‘I visited three or four new shops that had been set up in the last year or so. They seem to be doing really well. So, it's important for the community these traditions continue.

‘On Hayling Island, it was absolutely chock-full. There wasn't as many stall holders as usual, but it didn't impact the atmosphere at all. Everyone was having an amazing time.’

Emsworth will host a Christmas farmers market on Saturday, December 17, with carols on the Quay in the afternoon.

The News 5^th December

6th November

Vintage tearoom owner brings Christmas cheer to Emsworth station

A vintage tearoom owner is bringing the Christmas spirit to Emsworth train station this winter with festive food and drink, as well as interactive workshops. After leaving her career in recruitment, Queenie Butler-Hoskins went on the road with her very own ‘Travelling Teapot’, in the form of a vintage 1960s caravan.

Earlier this year, she opened up shop in a permanent space as Queenie’s Vintage Tearoom, located at Emsworth train station, thanks to help from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

“When I saw the space, I thought it would be perfect to give the ‘Travelling Teapot’ a permanent home. The station has so much character and history and being in the station means we can offer rail passengers something extra than a standard takeaway coffee.

“It was a big leap to leave my previous career, but I saw lots of others following their dreams and being their own boss, so I thought – it’s now or never!”

Queenie, 37, set out on her own in 2019, determined to open a vintage-inspired tearoom.

“I love everything about the 1940’s and 50’s and stepping into my tearoom is like stepping back in time. We’ve got lots of lovely things happening in December, pop in on your way to and from work and enjoy a gingerbread hot chocolate or festive toastie. We’ve also got some really nice events lined up too.

“Our bauble-making workshop on 15 December, run in partnership with Fluid Art, gives people the chance to handmake their own Christmas decorations. It’s a lovely opportunity to spend time with friends or family and costs £25pp, which includes a hot drink.

“Pet lovers should put 20 December in their diaries as we’ll be running a Vintage Pet Photoshoot with Paws and Claws Photography, which is a local business in Emsworth. It’s £15 for a session and you can select and buy your chosen prints on the day, perfect for gifting or displaying at home for everyone to see!”

Like many hospitality businesses, Queenie is struggling to balance the rising cost of living with making profit. She’s determined to attract more customers to the tearoom by offering events in addition to food and drink.

“All of our ingredients are sourced locally and they’re very good quality. The rising cost of ingredients is hard to manage as a small business, so I’m trying to expand what’s on offer for our customers.”

Rebecca Leach Lightfoot, part of GTR’s Commercial Team, said: “We’ve helped lots of independent businesses open up spaces on our network following the pandemic and it’s great to have something a little different to offer our customers in the Emsworth area. Get into the festive spirit with delicious treats or Christmas workshops provided by Queenie and make it part of your journey with Southern this winter.”

To book one of Queenie’s Christmas events, visit the tearoom’s Facebook page.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) 5th November

24th November

Protestors to line A259 over 'destruction of Chichester Harbour'

Protestors are set to line the A259 from Fishbourne to Emsworth and the A286 from Apuldram to The Witterings this Saturday (November 26) in protest against ‘the destruction’ of the Chichester Harbour and its villages.  The ‘Mayday’ campaign group has organised the action from 10am to midday, and is encouraging residents to stand with placards in safe spots along the roads in protest.

It comes as in last week’s Observer (November 17), John Nelson, the chair of Chichester Harbour Trust, said the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) is under ‘severe threat’ from overdevelopment and called for urgent action to stop further major planning applications.

"Now is the time to hold our councillors and our MPs to account. Enough is enough," he said.

Mayday organiser Bruce Garrett said: “Chichester Harbour AONB is in significant decline. Protected wildlife habitats and iconic landscapes are now at risk of being lost forever. Water quality, development, loss of farmland: we're at the tipping point and now is the time to act and come together with one voice for our harbour and show our concern.

“On Saturday, we need you. We want everyone to unite in a display of strength to highlight concerns for the future of the harbour. Choose a safe and visible location from where you can be seen and heard; along the A259 from Emsworth to the Fishbourne roundabout, anywhere in a safe, visible place on a pavement or in an open roadside space from Hayling beachfront to Langstone, along the A286 from Apuldram to West Wittering.

“We want people in high vis jackets and bright clothing to bring friends and family, banners highlighting important concerns and to make some noise to say enough.”

The group’s concerns are around overdevelopment in the coastal villages around Chichester Harbour, which it says is harming the AONB, wildlife and harbour ecology. The pressure on the sewage system is also a concern, with more homes meaning more damaging overflows into the harbour, campaigners say.

Mr Garrett added: ““With one voice, we can be the change we want to see.”

For more information on the campaign and Saturday’s event, visit the ‘Mayday Action Group’ on Facebook.

Sussex World 24th November

21st November

Historic pub's £200,000 makeover 'heralds exciting chapter' for Emsworth

A £200,000 refurbishment of an historic Emsworth pub is set to be a ‘fresh and exciting chapter’ for the hostelry and the town. That is the hope of owners Ben Standen and Harry Dumville, who have overseen the makeover at The Ship Inn in conjunction with brewers Fuller's.

The brothers originally took over the pub in September of last year when there was talk of its closure post-pandemic at a time when about 30 pubs were closing each week in England. But, they stepped in and pledged to reinvigorate its fortunes saying, “an area such as Emsworth deserves to have a vibrant pub in the heart of the community and that is our goal”.  Now, along with manager Bethany Flanagan – who has worked tirelessly with her team to ensure the High Street venue lives up to expectation – they say they are delighted with the makeover.

Bethany said: "It's fantastic, we are really pleased. We are convinced this will be fresh and exciting chapter for the pub and for Emsworth. We have a new stylish bar and garden along with a new menu and dining experience.

"We've been blown away with the feedback we have had from customers so far. They absolutely love it, which is obviously extremely encouraging!"

Part of the pub's new era embraces the exciting Moo and Kluck brand in the kitchen. And with 11 HD TV screens and subscriptions to both Sky Sports and BT Sports it is hoped football fans will enjoy the World Cup as well as every major sports event going forward. Bethany, speaking at the official re-opening on Friday, November 18 after a month’s closure to allow the work to be undertaken – added: "We hope to have the best atmosphere around this World Cup and customers can tuck in to wonderful food – and amazing burgers – from Moo and Kluck."

The pub has stood on the site since 1718, but was rebuilt in 1800, 1865 and again in the 20th century. Simon Thornton, Fuller's business development manager for the area, said that respecting the history of the venue was important as it underwent its refurbishment.

He added: “Fuller’s is delighted to have jointly invested with our tenants to bring this beautiful building back to its stunning best. With a modern offer, we aim to provide the residents of Emsworth with a beautiful and welcoming pub to enjoy for many years to come.”

Sussex World  21st November

15th November

Emsworth Remembrance Sunday parade draws a crowd - and concern for the event's future

A ’Good' turnout applauded a Remembrance Day parade through Emsworth – but attendees say the event needs updating to engage more people.

Members of the armed forces marched alongside Scout groups and school children from across the area as residents gathered in the centre of the town.  One member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers said the event had seen a good turnout – but was concerned that Remembrance Day events were not engaging enough people.

The 34-year-old, who has served in the army for more than 16 years and is stationed on Thorney Island, said: ‘I was getting my hair cut the other, and there was a young guy in there, in his early 20s. He didn’t know what Armistice Day was or what Remembrance Sunday was about. It shocked me.

Two Emsworth residents, who have lived in the area for more than a decade and asked not to be named, agreed about the lack of publicity, saying that they had heard about the event earlier in the day.  One resident, aged 75, said: ‘It needs much more publicity. And it was over so quickly. It was very weird.’

Another resident, 80, had been selling poppy badges as part of the Royal British Legion Appeal – and had been left disappointed by the lack of poppies on display during the parade.

She said: ‘I don’t think people really understand events like this. The problem is it can feel repetitive. It’s always the same thing, that’s the problem.’

The News 14^th November

7th November

Overnight closures on the A27 between Havant and Chichester  start this week

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead and to leave extra time during their journeys due to upcoming overnight closures on the A27.  Overnight closures will take place between Havant and Chichester to carry out resurfacing and improvements on the A27 as well as on the slip roads at Warblington. This will maintain safety and improve the journey for roads users, while reducing the need of unplanned closures.

 From Monday 7 November 2022 to Monday 9 January 2023, the work will take place during weeknights, when there is less traffic. 

The A27 between Warblington (junction with the A259 and Emsworth Road) and the Fishbourne Roundabout will be closed overnight (8pm to 6am) Monday to Friday only, between Monday 7 November and Tuesday 20 December 2022, then again between Tuesday 3 and Monday 9 January 2023.

During the closures, a signed diversion will be in place in both directions via the A259.

Find out more by visiting the National Highways southeast maintenance webpage: nationalhighways.co.uk/se-maintenance and searching for ‘A27 Havant to Chichester resurfacing’.

6th November

“ Reach for the Skies?”

Hampshire Farm Meadows: Inaugural Planting of the Ems Valley Memorial Arboretum on Saturday 12th November 2022@1030hrs. The trustees of the Ems Valley Memorial Arboretum charity (EVMA) are delighted to announce that Major Tim Peake CMG will plant the first tree in the creation of a newly approved arboretum supported by residents, community groups and businesses in Emsworth, Westbourne and surrounding areas.

Major Tim is patron of EVMA, a local boy who lived in Westbourne in his early years. He is a current UK astronaut so it’s appropriate that he plants a Sequoia, one of our planets tallest growing trees. This tree will be in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth and her desire to see a “green canopy” spreading across the Kingdom, in this her jubilee year.

On this six-acre site at Hampshire Farm Meadows (made available by Havant Borough Council), the trustees plan to plant 250 unusual native and no- native specimen trees at the rate of 50 each planting season.

Mr Gibb-Gray said “We have three main objectives for the arboretum, one where people can remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones no longer with us and two the environmental benefits that will accrue to the area. The third objective is to help the younger generation to be aware of and appreciate the environmental value of local trees.  We would like to thank all our donors and supporters for their help in bringing this exciting and unique project to fruition."

Brendan Gibb-Gray B.E.M.

Chair of trustees. Tele. 01243377355.

Brendan.gibbgray@talktalk.net

or EVMA.org.uk

30th October

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE in Emsworth – Really?

Emsworth public display about a new local plan is on Thursday November 3 from 1500 – 1900 at the Baptist Church – BE THERE PLEASE! It’s a walk-in display with council staff there to chat to or ask questions.

The Government threw out the Havant official new plan that included building 315 new homes a year and now the planners have to aim at 516 new homes a year in Havant borough. Do you want to encourage lots of new building in Emsworth? 

It’s important that local people go and tell the planners where they think they should accept plans for new houses – and where to avoid. 

It will take at least a year to get this new document prepared to include further consultation along the way.  That document, called ‘Building a Better Future’, will be put in for inspection by the Government in early 2024, but is likely to take until 2025 before it is accepted and put into practice.  In the meantime planners do not have an up-to-date guidance document.

Information about the development of this new plan is out for all to read at https://www.havant.gov.uk/local-plan  and the online list of things to comment on is there.  You don’t have to fill everything in – just the things you are most interested in – especially if you feel there are certain Emsworth places that should be protected from any further development.

Maggie Gebbett (an Emsworth ReSident)

26th October

Campaign launched to save paths around Langstone Mill Pond after collapse of sea defences

A Havant resident is leading the fight to save Langstone Mill Pond following the collapse of sea defences.

A petition, launched by Margaret Tait, has reached more than 1,800 signatures in a bid to address coastal erosion at the prize beauty spot.

Coastal Partners, a working collaboration between five councils to address coastal erosion across the Solent coast, identified three Victorian sea walls that have collapsed between the pond to Wade Lane. The pathway behind the collapsed defences is used by many locals and visitors - further erosion of the pathway could make the site inaccessible.

Margaret Tait, 75, who is retired, has lived in Havant nearly all her life, and said that people 'are very concerned' about the condition of the sea walls.

‘I was totally shocked to see the walls in the state that they're in and I thought I’ve got to do something here,' she said.

‘If you look at the petition there are many many comments stating that the walk itself was a lifesaver, it saved the mental health of a great many people during lockdown.

‘There’s not a lot to look at around Havant - it’s all pavements and shops but you can walk down to Langstone.

‘It would be devastating if it was lost, it’s the only countryside walk that people living in Havant can reach easily on foot - It would be tragic, I would cry that’s for sure.

‘There are a lot of people involved - I'm not a Langstone resident but I got involved in this because of my love of Langstone and there are many of us that are the same.’

Coastal Partners says it intends to ‘engage closely’ with interested parties such as the landowner, the Environment Agency, Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Hampshire County Council.  However, the replacement of the defences at Mill Pond was deemed ‘not financially viable’ due to a low level of risk to properties along the frontage.

 Havant Borough councillor Lulu Bowerman, cabinet lead for environmental services said:

‘The various statutory agencies involved with this part of Chichester Harbour met this month and explored different options and responsibilities and scheduled a further meeting for next month for additional discussions following more investigations.

'We are aware of the local residents' petition and obvious concerns regarding the sea defences near Wade Lane.

'The affected sea defences are on unregistered land and therefore have no clear owner and as a result, no single organisation that can take control.

'As councillors, we are bringing together all the statutory agencies with local land owners so that a way forward can be reached.'

 The News 26th October

21st October

ROYAL NAVAL BENEVOLENT TRUST OFFICIALLY OPENS STATE-OF-THE-ART CARE HOME FOR VETERANS IN PORTSMOUTH, WITH DEDICATED DEMENTIA UNIT

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT), which is celebrating 100 years of giving crucial support to serving and former personnel of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, has officially opened a state-of-the-art residential care and nursing home, Admiral Jellicoe House, in Portsmouth, home of the Royal Navy, for naval and Royal Marines veterans and their spouses or widows.

Setting a new standard in care, Admiral Jellicoe House is the latest addition to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, following in the footsteps of its successful sister home Pembroke House, offering multiple levels of care and support and featuring 66 luxury en suite rooms, a library, cinema room, bar, community dining and a communal balcony overlooking the neighbouring cricket ground.

Crucially, the Home has launched its dedicated dementia unit, meeting the varied emotional and physiological needs of people on their dementia journey. Within the Home, there are two sensory destinations including a seaside destination with a mural of a beach scene, which features the sounds and smells of the sea, and a woodland destination with a mural and a park bench with birdsong and the sounds and smells of a wood. Each destination is designed to help residents stay in the moment and interact with their surroundings helping to promote moments of joy and self-worth alongside the evolving sensory room and gardens which allow the veterans to connect with their memories and experience positive wellbeing.

Built to mark the centenary of the RNBT and in honour of Admiral and 1st Earl John Rushworth Jellicoe, the RNBT founder, Admiral Jellicoe House provides a familiar and welcoming environment to those who have served. The interior is accented with naval history, familiar touches, traditions and comforts, encouraging residents to reminisce, enjoy and feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Rob Bosshardt, Chief Executive of RNBT says, “I am so proud of our achievement in delivering this project for naval veterans, despite the challenges of the pandemic. Our dedicated dementia unit is an example of how we should be supporting our incredible veterans, creating a safe space for them to reminisce on some of their proudest moments in life.

“Admiral Jellicoe House is a fabulous building, a really appropriate home for those who have served their country in peace and war, and a fitting and permanent symbol of RNBT’s century of care and support for the naval community.”

The Guest of Honour, Nick Jellicoe, grandson of RNBT’s Founder, renowned naval author and broadcaster and the Vice-Patron of RNBT says, “John Jellicoe, my grandfather, the Trust’s founder and first benefactor, would have been honoured - and touched - that such a worthy cause carries his name. It is a legacy to his humanity and his vision.”

The opening ceremony included hoisting the White Ensign, by kind permission of the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key, to illustrate the strong links between the Home and the Royal Navy. Young naval ratings from Victory Squadron HMS COLLINGWOOD were on hand to help with the day and meet the residents.

Those looking to learn more can visit rnbt.org.uk/admiral-jellicoe-house-care-home/

20th October

Clearing the Path for Wildlife in The Woods!

Just as the hottest and driest summer on record came to end, and the autumnal freshness began to arise, a group of 10 staff from Lockheed Martin volunteered their time to help The Friends of Nore Barn Woods with valuable conservation work in the overgrown woodland areas on the edge of Emsworth.

Nore Barn Woods is an attractive area of public open space in Emsworth, adjacent to the shore of Chichester Harbour. Formed in 2002, The Friends of Nore Barn Woods is a group of volunteers who aim to make the area more pleasant for the public.  Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Lockheed Martin UK – Rotary and Mission Systems regularly took part in several volunteering activities and were hugely supportive of local organisations in and around the Havant area.

The purpose of the day was to cut back and clear areas of the wood allowing the natural growth of plants and creating habitats for wildlife. The area was very dense and overgrown, and the team from Lockheed Martin made light work of cutting back and clearing some large spaces and a pathway that will be instrumental in creating the growth of wild flowers and make the woods more pleasant for the general public.

Kate Anders from Lockheed Martin said: “We love giving back to the community - and we love that we can do so on our day off. It’s nice to get together as a team as well, especially where many of us are now working from home.”

Roy Ewing from The Friends of Nore Barn Woods was grateful for Lockheed Martin’s support and had this to say: “They feel motivated enough to come as a group and it’s good to see the company’s behind them - and giving them the time off to do the work! They did an amazing job in such a short space of time!”

Israk Ali from Lockheed Martin said: “I volunteered with the company a few times before and was really excited to see the before and after of our work today. I was also keen to meet those who work in Community First and those who look after the woods.”

Jax Willey from Lockheed Martin shared what she had enjoyed about the day: “Teamwork; laughter; and logging stuff around the air is my sweet spot. Giving something back to the community is why I’m doing this and I absolutely feel my company represents this well.”

Rachel Garvey from Lockheed Martin said: “It’s good team building and nice to be with your colleagues out in the fresh air - and it’s all good stuff for the local community.”

Debbie Grace from Community First stated the importance and value of group work and corporate volunteering: “Often corporate groups are very willing to help out in the local community - and this is a great partnership between them and groups we’ve got on the ground. So for them to work with their local environmental group and do some clearing I think is perfect.”

If you are interested in volunteering and/or seeking an opportunity, please visit our website where you will find hundreds of volunteering opportunities across Hampshire: https://www.volunteerfirst.co.uk/

Communities First Wessex19th October

17th October

Get ready for this year’s Great Coastal Birdwatch

Bird Aware Solent is inviting people to get involved in the Great Coastal Birdwatch 2022, which takes place this half-term from 22 to 30 October.   Now in its fourth year, the project gives Bird Aware valuable data on birds that spend the winter on the Solent. It also helps to raise awareness of the wealth of wildlife on our doorstep.

Councillor Seán Woodward, Chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire, the body that oversees Bird Aware, said: ‘The Great Coastal Birdwatch is a fantastic way to get young people enthusiastic about local wildlife. And by increasing people’s awareness of our coastal birds, we can help ensure they thrive in the future’.

Bird Aware asks people to spend up to an hour during the week-long event counting the birds they see on the coastline. It’s free to take part with an information pack available to download from Bird Aware’s website. The birdwatch is timed to coincide with the arrival of migratory birds which return every winter to the area.

In previous years, data has been provided by experienced wildlife observers as well as people trying birdwatching for the first time. Last year a total of 83 species were seen by members of the public taking part.  Bird Aware is asking people to report their findings through its website and is also encouraging people to avoid disturbing wildlife during their birdwatching stint.

Bird Aware Solent works on coastlines around the New Forest, Southampton Water, Portsmouth, Chichester and Langstone Harbours and the northern coast of the Isle of Wight. It is formed of a partnership of 19 different local authorities and wildlife organisations.            

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For further information contact Kate Price McCarthy, Bird Aware Solent 07799 866944.

Visit https://birdaware.org/solent/

29th September

I will continue to fight for Joe': Emsworth mum campaigns to make ‘blackspot’ Comley Hill near Rowlands Castle safer for drivers after losing her beloved son

As she marks the eighth anniversary of his death, a grieving mum has vowed she will not give up her campaign to make the road where her son died safe.  Emsworth mum Lorraine Butland says she will continue her battle to implement speed restrictions on Comley Hill near Rowlands Castle after losing her son Joe in a crash to make the road safer.

She says Hampshire County Council has made empty promises about changing the road signs on the ‘blackspot’.

Joe, who was 25 when he died on September 28, 2014, was hit by an oncoming vehicle after having to swerve out of the way of a parked truck that was filling up with petrol on the corner.

He left behind his daughter Scarlett, who was two at the time, his partner, his mum, his brother and sister and grandparents.  Joe worked at a motorcycle repairs garage and he had been looking at going into business with his friend so that he could share his love for motorbikes with others.  He was driving home to his family after finishing work when he was hit.  Since losing her son, Lorraine has been pushing to make Comley Hill safer, but on the anniversary of Joe’s death, his mum feels let down more than ever after accidents still occur down the ‘blackspot’ road.

After the accident, Lorraine praised Hampshire County Council for putting up a speed flashing sign and a 30mph sign on the road, but since then the flashing speed sign has been removed.  During the police investigation of Joe’s death, no-one was found at fault. Lorraine has carried this with her for the last eight years, and she said that she and her family ‘feel let down by the police.’

She said: ‘Sometimes I feel like the more years that go by, the worse it feels. I feel like I have lost that time so I will never be able to go back and find out what really happened on that road.

‘I think it always feels worse as a parent because you have had your life and they haven’t. I was just walking the dog one day and I came home and have lost my child. Even when your child is ill, you can be there for them but I didn’t get that, I had to stand at the end of the road while my son was dying.

Since Joe Butland lost his life in 2014 after being in a car accident his mum has been fighting to have the road made safer for drivers.

‘I just want the road to be safer so that no other parent has to go through what I am still going through.’

Lorraine said the signs are confusing because in one area of the road there are two speed limits attached to each another, one being 30mph and the other one being 40mph.

The road has a national speed limit of 60mph but signage is supposed to indicate that the speed limit is 40mph in the build up to the bend and then 30mph within 50 metres of the previous one, but Lorraine feels that the signs are unclear and needs to be rectified to make it safer.

Joe Butland lost his life in 2014, after being involved in a crash.  Since Joe's death the mum of three has been working closely with Councillor Marge Harvey, who has helped push to make improvements to the B2148.

Cllr Harvey said: ‘I have been working on this since Mrs Butland lost her son and I will continue to try and help her as much as possible.’

She is calling for the council to install a flashing speed radar which will make drivers aware of their speed, and wants the vegetation and bushes to be cut down so that drivers’ vision is less impaired at the bend and to change the current signs to make the speed clear.

Lorraine said that there have been a number of accidents and collisions since Joe’s death, making it a necessity for change along the road. Government statistics have recorded nine on Comley Hill and many more at the junction of Bartons Road, Horndean Road and Emsworth Common Road.

She has written multiple letters to the council and councillors, but said she is ‘being ignored’ or the letters she has received in response, are not helpful in regards to the changes needed.

letter to the Hampshire County Council she said: ‘I do feel you make light of this. Joe’s death in some way could be a legacy that you can do to improve the safety of the road for others.’

Lorraine lists the dates that her family will be without Joe and the days that Joe’s daughter will be without her dad such as birthdays and anniversaries.

She said: ‘These are dates cherished by families for their children, I no longer have that, I will stand alone, with flowers, in memory of his life and what he could have become, if he had not been cruelly taken from us. I only have memories.’

A county council spokesperson said: ‘Keeping our roads safe is a priority for the county council. I can confirm that this tragic accident was investigated at the time by the local Casualty Reduction Partnership. As a result, some enhancements were made to the existing measures to reduce the risk of collision, including the installation of additional signs in advance of the bends to advise that speeds should be reduced from 40mph to 30mph. We will continue to monitor this road and keep the existing signage under review.’

Joe’s mum has been tormented since losing him and feels that the only way that she can help is by possibly saving others on the road.

Lorraine said: ‘What upsets me is knowing that accidents are still happening on that road. They only report accidents where there is injury not where there is collision but I think that they should report it all.

‘It would be good to even have a speed camera there or even just stick to what they said they would do.

The News 29th September 2022

23rd September

An Emsworth Sailing Club committee member helping to organise the town's Big Green Eco Day | Vicky Meets

This will support the Great Big Green Week, which is a nationwide initiative that celebrates action on climate change.  Last year over 5,000 events took place. A member of a committee at the sailing club, I volunteered to co-ordinate the Green Day because as a club we have an environmental pledge, which spurred us into getting involved in the national event.

From left: Gillian Branson and Clare Mogridge

It’s more of a showcase than anything else – we want to raise awareness of local environmental issues. There is a big environmental fair happening the week before in Havant and the two sailing clubs in Emsworth decided to bookend the week with an event. The two clubs are linked by the Millpond wall. It’s open to the public and there is no entry fee.

What is the aim of the day at a local level?

Gillian Branson from the Slipper Sailing Club and I agreed that the aim for the day is to celebrate our local environment, to showcase the environmental work that takes place in and around Emsworth, to raise awareness of the issues our environment faces and to support any local initiatives and groups.

What can people expect?

We are planning a fun day of activities, stalls and talks aimed at providing information and practical ideas that will help to protect our waters, green spaces and communities. 

Visitors and members will be able to meander between the two clubs, visit the stalls and take part in the activities being run by local and national environment organisations. We even hope to have some activities along the linking millpond wall.

There will be activities for children and refreshments will be on sale. We also welcome donations of food for the Beacon Food Bank and second-hand uniform for the PO9 clothing bank.

Are other organisations involved?

Some of the organisations involved include Brook Meadow Conservation Group, Eco Step by Step, Ems Valley Memorial Arboretum Trust, Emsworth Residents Association, Emsworth Tree Wardens, ESSC Environment group, The Final Straw, Friends of Hampshire Farm Meadow, Friends of the Ems, Greening Westbourne, Harbour Conservancy – Education, St Alban's School and Pollipromise Action Group.

Any local environmental project or business that would like to get involved can email c.mogridge@ntlworld.com

Where does your passion for environmental issues stem from? I’ve been sailing in the harbour since I was seven.

We as human beings have a choice if we go into the water. The eco system does not. Since Covid, when people started getting out on the water more, there has been more awareness of interest in the harbour and what is pumped into the harbour, and also greater understanding of the problems associated with water pollution.

I believe we can all do something to improve our local environment. You can find out more about the event at greatbiggreenweek.com/events/emsworth-big-green-eco-day/

Sussex Express 22 22nd September

15th September

Candlelit vigil on Sunday for Her Majesty the Queen

An outdoor candlelit vigil is being held in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday (18 September) outside St Faith’s Church as part of the National Moment of Reflection, with residents welcome to attend.

Starting at 7.50pm under the ancient Yew Tree outside the church, members of the public will be given a candle to light in memory of the Queen.

During the vigil, the Queen's unswerving service to the country will be recognised, and as a sign of respect, a minute's silence will be held - nationally as well as locally - at 8pm. The vigil will conclude with the singing of the national anthem.

Convened by Canon Tom Kennar, a number of dignitaries will be in attendance, including Major-General Jamie Balfour CBE (Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire) Alan Mak MP, Deputy Mayor Councillor Rosy Raines and Councillor Alex Rennie, leader of Havant Borough Council.

The candle-lit vigil will take place after a church service starting at 6.30pm, that is also open to all.

Councillor Alex Rennie said, "As we draw closer to the funeral of our late monarch, this vigil will provide residents with an opportunity to show their respects and be part of a national moment of reflection. This vigil provides a fitting way of showing our gratitude for the Queen's devotion to her country."

Canon Tom Kennar, Rector of St Faith's and Chaplain to the Mayor said, "As the Civic Church of Havant, we count it a huge privilege to be the place where Civic leaders come together at times of national importance, to celebrate or remember and (for those of faith) to pray.  We are humbled to be the focus of the borough's Civic Vigil on Sunday at 6.30pm.  Directly afterwards we look forward to welcoming the whole community, of any faith or none, to the National Moment of Reflection around the ancient Yew Tree in our Churchyard."

St Faith's church can be found at 1 West Street, Havant, PO9 1EH. For more information on the church visit www.stfaith.com.

8th September

Emsworth Food Festival 2006: Relaunch of Terror brings Emsworth's oyster history back to life

History was brought back to life 16 years ago, on Friday 8th September, when Emsworth’s only surviving oyster boat was finally relaunched after painstaking restoration. Crowds flocked to the quay on Friday, September 8, 2006, for the official relaunch of The Terror in front of invited guests and they were rewarded with the sight of her sailing out of the harbour, accompanied by a manifest of boats and canoes.

See more images of the Launch of The 'Terror and the 2006 Emsworth Food Festival

Harbour master John Davies gave a speech detailing Emsworth’s maritime history and the town’s oyster industry, which came to an abrupt decline in 1902 when the Dean of Winchester died from typhoid after eating a contaminated oyster from Emsworth. However, he painted a bright future for the Victorian boat, which had been bought by Chichester Harbour Conservancy. It was painstaking restored at Dolphin Quay boatyard thanks to a £1.2m grant from the National Lottery, which paid for a series of projects linked to The Terror including an apprenticeship. Visit oysterboatterror.org.uk for booking information.

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev James Atwell, was invited to the launch to bless the Terror before Jane Weeks from the South East England Heritage Lottery Fund poured champagne over the oyster boat. The relaunch coincided with the annual food festival, where Charlie Reading had a stall selling more than a thousand oysters to celebrating the Terror and Emsworth’s maritime heritage. Mr Reading said at the time: “The oysters are popular. You can eat them with fresh dips or with a touch of lemon juice.”

Sussex Express1st September 2022

This was the sixth year of the Emsworth Food Festival and the launch of the “Terror” was a major attraction on it’s first day of the three-day event.

Left uncared for and in decay for years, “Terror” was almost lost. She had been stored at different places when finally with lottery funding, her restoration was given the go-ahead. Dolphin Quay Boatyard in Emsworth carried out the restoration over a two-year period. She was lovingly and carefully rebuilt by them and in September 2006, Terror was re-launched. The  Emsworth Oyster Fishery has a long history of success and disaster and played an important role in the town’s development.  Today visitors can follow the Oyster Trail which provides a tour picking out the features of the once important industry that remain.  For the 2006 Food Festival John Tweddell, a member of the festival’s organising “committee, produced a series of podcasts “The taste of Emsworth” the third of which “Emsworth Oysters” is all about the industry and, in particular, the restoration of the “Terror”:

To-day the “Terror“ sails on taking people on trips around the harbour during the summer months.

Booking Information

 The Food Festival, however, did not 'sail on' 2006 turned out to be its penultimate year.  

During the seven years of existence (2001-2007) the festival put Emsworth 'on the map'. From small beginnings in St Peter's Square it grew to become the largest and most successful independent food festival in the UK attracting an estimated 50,000 visitors over three days each year, with over one hundred stalls, demonstration events, wine and beer tastings, street entertainment and special events for children. 

The festival was immensely popular as exemplified by the visitor survey conducted during the 2006 festival with +80% of visitors found the event 'toughly enjoyable' and 60% reported that they would definitely return the following year.  A survey of exhibitors showed a similar high satisfaction rating with a large majority of exhibitors being very happy with the way the Festival was managed and their suggestions are almost entirely positive and in most cases complimentary. The survey indicated that the three day event put an estimated £250,000 into the town's economy.

A small minority of residents and local businesses were less positive about the festival but its hidden impact on the economy of the town was bested summed up by one of the estate agents who said:

"We do hardly any business during the festival but have a great deal of interest from visitors to the festival in the following months"

Sadly the Festival was last held in 2007 after which the Directors (by then it had become a Community Interest Company) decided for their own reasons that it should not continue although it had been such a huge success.

Follow this link to see a selection of images as a reminder 2006 Festival

6th September

Sixth Emsworth Beer Festival Proves to be a Challenge

 Putting together Emsworth’s 6th Beer, Cider & Wine Festival has proved to be quite a challenge for WemsFest organiser Mark Ringwood.

 He said ‘It’s quite amazing how much the Beer industry in particular has changed over the past year.  Distributors have gone out of business, breweries have reduced their cask producing capacity in favour of putting their beer into bottles and cans, and like everything else prices have risen substantially.  Nevertheless I’m pleased that we’ll have over 25 ales from as far afield as Devon, East Anglia, and the North of England for drinkers to enjoy with some beers available for £3 a pint..  In addition we’re delighted to welcome back Emsworth’s Darbar restaurant to provide authentic Indian street food, and a chill-out room where people can play games and watch a wide selection of classic silent films.  Two local vintners will be dispensing a wide range of wines.”

 As in previous years the ticket price includes a souvenir beer or wine glass, a free glass of wine or beer, and an informative programme.  On Friday evening pianist Andy Beaumont will be delivering a programme of traditional pub songs to join in with.

 The Sixth Emsworth Beer, Cider & Wine Festival takes place at Emsworth Community Centre

from 5pm-10.30pm on Friday 23 September, 11am-10.30pm on Saturday 24 September, and 12noon-4pm on Sunday 25 September.  The Sunday session is always free and known as ‘Drink-ups’ with all remaining ales substantially discounted.

 Tickets are available from: Bookends, and Harbour Records in Emsworth, and https://www.ents24.com/festival/6th-emsworth-beer-cider-and-wine-festival/6412760

29th August

River crisis: stop muddying the waters, say campaigners

An environmental group has demanded that Portsmouth Water comes clean about how its activities are damaging a local river.  The Friends of the Ems group is trying to protect the drought-stricken River Ems, which flows from the South Downs into Chichester Harbour.  Chalk streams like the Ems are rare and precious habitats that are home to many endangered species. But large sections of the river have dried up this summer and many fish have died.

The group says the Ems is in its current state because Portsmouth Water (PW) pumps out too much water from the river’s underground sources.

Last week Chichester MP Gillian Keegan intervened in the crisis, calling on Environment Minister Steve Double to take immediate action.

PW boss Bob Taylor’s response, as reported in the Chichester Observer, was: “Just to be clear, we do not take water from the River Ems.”

Today, a Friends of the Ems spokesperson said: “We’ve been working hard with Mr Taylor to try to lessen his company’s impact on the river. We do appreciate his willingness to explore the issues, and we agree that part of the solution is for all of us to use water wisely.

“But his latest comments are very disappointing and just muddy the waters.

“Of course the company doesn’t take water directly out of the river. We’ve never claimed that it did. But it does take huge amounts from the underground sources of the river, which means much more of it dries up in the summer than is natural.

“So much is taken that this summer, the springs supplying more than half of the river have dried up. PW’s original licence meant they could take a maximum of 10,000,000 litres a day, but they lobbied hard to almost triple this amount.

“Mr Taylor also points out that PW pumps water into the river when it gets low. But it has to do this under the terms of its licence. This top-up water is only needed because of the company’s activities in the first place. And it’s not enough to provide an acceptable flow.”

The Friends of the Ems also point out:

·        PW says it is dedicating a borehole to supplying water to the River Ems. But this borehole has not been used to supply drinking water since quality issues were raised.

·        The Friends of the Ems have been in regular discussions with PW and the Environment Agency (EA) for two years following the last catastrophic drying-out of the river, in 2020. But the EA and PW have not produced a sustainable long-term proposal to protect the river, despite continuing environmental damage. 

·        PW says the planned new reservoir at Havant Thicket could help the Ems. But this will not be completed and commissioned for at least nine to 10 years. PW, the EA and Ofwat (the industry regulator) have not been able to outline how much water might be available.

·        The Friends of the Ems back Gillian Keegan’s call for PW to pump chlorinated drinking water into the river as an emergency measure, on the basis that some water – even if treated – is better than none.  Although not ideal, this was done for many years without apparently harming the river. However, the EA will not allow this to happen.

 John Millard,communications officer,  Greening Westbourne

18th August

Sports pavilion in Emsworth is set for refurbishment
A sports pavilion in Emsworth Park could see a huge upgrade following a planning application by the council.

The new changing facilities will provide kit storage space for 12 players with adjoining toilet and shower rooms - each changing room will have its own pitch access.  Other facilities such as a new clubhouse room are proposed with WC and kitchen facilities

Planning documents state the new clubhouse will be ‘opening out to the cricket pitch to the south via bi-folding glazed doors.  This application by Havant Borough Council for the benefit of Emsworth Cricket Club seeks to update the existing sports pavilion to enhance its use, its flexibility and its appropriateness for sporting facilities for players and spectators alike.

‘The clubroom which is currently a very utilitarian space is intended to be a more attractive space from where the action on the pitch can be observed.With the changing facilities meeting EBC and Football Foundation requirements, the proposals will allow the cricket club to fulfil its fixtures whilst the clubroom will allow the club to have a flexible space to assist with community interaction and revenue-enhancing capabilities.

The existing structure of the pavilion will remain unchanged with only external adaptations being the changing room lobbies, the bi-fold doors and new doors and windows.  Havant Borough Council will decide on the redevelopment of the pavilion on Thursday

The News 8th August

13th August

Village demands hosepipe ban as river dries

Please order a hosepipe ban now to help save our river. That’s the plea from the village of Westbourne to Portsmouth Water. The company takes huge amounts of water from the underground sources of the River Ems, a rare chalk stream and wildlife haven that runs from the South Downs into Chichester Harbour. Even before the current drought, flow in the Ems was worryingly low. Now the river is in crisis.

The plight of the river, with dying fish and whole sections completely dry, has prompted Westbourne Parish Council and a local environmental group, Greening Westbourne, to demand a hosepipe ban.

The Ems flows through Westbourne, on the West Sussex/Hampshire border, before reaching Emsworth and the sea.

In a letter to Bob Taylor, chief executive officer of Portsmouth Water, Greening Westbourne chair Richard Hitchcock says: “The river has dried up completely in sections and residents have been hard at work attempting to save the fish that have not already perished. It is surely not too much to ask that a hosepipe ban be imposed immediately in Westbourne and surrounding parishes.”

A campaign group, Friends of the Ems, which is part of Greening Westbourne, has been in talks with Portsmouth Water and the Environment Agency for two years in an effort to reduce the amount taken – or “abstracted” – from the river’s sources, and to improve flows.

Portsmouth Water is obliged to pump some water back into the river at times of low flow, but Friends of the Ems wants this process improved.

In the letter, Mr Hitchcock adds: “Friends of the Ems had very much hoped that abstraction would be monitored closely and even reduced in order to restore the river to its original health. This would seem to be a somewhat time-consuming process and appears not to have been effected soon enough to protect the river in a time of very great heat and, even more importantly, no significant rainfall.”

Westbourne Parish Council has written to Mr Taylor on similar lines, echoing the plea on behalf of residents.

Chalk streams are known as “England’s rainforests” because they are among the planet's rarest habitats. There are only about 200 chalk streams in the world, and most of them are in the southern half of England.

The Ems is home to rare species including water voles and eels. Local people regularly see kingfishers, brown trout and many species of bat.

To find out more about Greening Westbourne and to join the Friends of the Ems, people can go to e-voice.org.uk/greening-westbourne

Greening Westbourne and the parish council are urging residents to save water. Tips on doing this are promoted by Portsmouth Water at www.portsmouthwater.co.uk/environment/saving-water/

They include:

·        watering plants in the early morning or later in the evening

·        collecting rainwater in a water butt

·        letting lawns go brown – they will bounce back

·        cutting down on washing the car

·        avoiding letting taps run

·        collecting running water while you wait for it to heat up, and use it to water plants or flush the loo

·        making sure your washing machine has a full load

·        having a short shower rather than a bath

John Millard,communications officer,  Greening Westbourne

6th August

Barratt Homes employees help The Final Straw Foundation to clear 20kg of rubbish from Emsworth Harbour

A Group of employees at a Hampshire housebuilder helped to clear bags of rubbish from Emsworth Harbour in support of a local environmental charity.

Litter pickers cleared 20kg of rubbish in just two hours from while ridding the coastal beauty spot of trash.  The team of volunteers tackled the large amount of rubbish, which included rope, cigarette buts and food wrappers from the Harbour and Emsworth Square, and surrounding residential areas.  Organised by local environmental charity, The Final Straw Foundation, the litter picking event was attended by a group of eco-conscious helpers, including employees from Barratt Homes.

Barratt Homes employees help to clear 20kg of rubbish from Emsworth Harbour in support of a local environmental charity, The Final Straw Foundation.

The registered charity, which started in Emsworth in 2018, works with local communities and businesses to highlight the impact of plastic pollution on our environment and to try to minimise the amount of plastic entering our local seas.

The Hampshire housebuilder workers signed up to help on the day and, along with other volunteers, were provided with gloves, litter pickers, bags and buckets, and donned eco-friendly volunteer t-shirts made from recycled cotton.  Megan Hamlyn, Barratt Homes Marketing Manager was there on the day.

She said: ‘It was great to be a part of this clear-up and help pick up this sizeable amount of rubbish in a short space of time. With a large proportion of this cleared from the beachside, it shows just how many discarded items will be heading into our seas across the country.’

Barratt Homes is committed to protecting the environment and wanted to help the Final Straw Foundation with its tidy-up operation to ensure the local area is tidier and safer for its visitors, and to raise awareness of plastic pollution.  Megan added: ‘With 20kg of rubbish found on, and nearby, to just one beach, think about the impact this must be having across the world. Beach cleans are a way for us to help a small bit.’ The Final Straw Foundation works with local communities and businesses to highlight the impact of plastic pollution on our environment and is trying to minimise the amount of plastic entering our local seas and wider oceans.

The environmentally friendly housebuilder has already pledged to reduce its construction waste by 20% by 2025, and has worked on a variety of initiatives to reduce the number of raw materials it consumes.

The News 4^th August

20th July

Havant to introduce ‘nine times larger’ glass banks

Havant borough council is to introduce 22 10,700 litre glass recycling banks which are nine times larger than the local authority’s current 1,100 litre collection bins.  Havant's 22 new 10,700 litre glass recycling banks are to be fitted with a sensor device to allow for remote monitoring of the available capacity.  

The new banks are to be fitted with a sensor device to allow for remote monitoring of the capacity available before emptying is required, “reducing the environmental impact of unnecessary repeated collections,” the council says.  Havant is to begin installing the banks, which will take glass bottles and jars, across the borough “during the next couple of weeks”.

Cllr Lulu Bowerman, Havant borough council’s cabinet lead for environmental services, said she was “very pleased” that the banks’ introduction would allow residents to recycle even more glass.  “The new technology combined with the increase in size will prevent unsightly and overflowing areas in the borough,” she added.

“It will also reduce the number of trips made to empty the banks, reducing our carbon footprint, in line with the council’s corporate strategy.”

Norfolk council-owned Norse South East, Havant’s collections contractor, is to collect the banks using a skip-carrying vehicle rather than a conventional refuse collection vehicle.

Cllr Bowerman said: “The new method of collection, by a skip carrying vehicle, will also reduce the risks to collection crews and the concerning sound levels identified with smashing glass when emptied.”

Representing an estimated population of around 125,000, Havant borough council had a household waste recycling rate of 33% in the 2020/21 financial year.

Havant does not currently offer a kerbside glass collection service. Glass collected from banks in the borough is taken to a materials recycling facility in Portsmouth, run by Veolia on behalf of Hampshire County council.  Norse began collecting household waste and recycling in Havant in April 2016.   Under the joint venture, Norse provides Havant with household refuse, recycling and garden waste collections, as well as street cleansing, cemetery and allotment maintenance. Its contract runs up to 2026

19^th July LetsRecycle.com

13th July

The Emsworth Show returns this August

The Emsworth Show is set to make a bang as it returns for August Bank Holiday Monday and will be full of fun-filled activities to be enjoyed by the whole family.

The show, which was a hit last year, is returning and as ever it is partnered up with the Emsworth Horticultural Society.  The event is being hosted at the New Life Christian Church Via Thorney Road, which offers free onsite parking for people travelling to the show.

A free bus will also be running which will be travelling around the village on the day to ensure that everyone can attend the horticulture event.

The gates will open at 10:30am and the day will last until 5pm where everyone in Emsworth and the surrounding areas are welcome to attend the much loved event.  There will be a 120 ft marquee showcasing a horticulturist's dream, which will feature dahlias, fruit and veg, bouquets and much more.

The event will host two arenas which will see the highly anticipated Extreme BMX Display, the Touch and Go Dog Agility, Melana Dance and the Fishbourne Mill Morris Dancers.  Live music from Alder Valley Brass and Solent Male Voice Choir can be enjoyed throughout the day with music starting at 10:45 am in the food court which will have a food to tuck into.

Children will also be able to enjoy the fairground rides that will be there on the day. Early bird tickets are limited at £5.50, usual price £7, children 12 years and under are free.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.emsworthshow.co.uk

Sussex World Tuesday, 12th July

3rd July

Former Royal Navy fitness instructor and founder of Verity's Gift from Havant to join Queen's Baton Relay 2022

A FORMER Royal Navy fitness instructor will be taking part in the Queen’s Baton Relay 2022 – and he will be dedicating his participation to his late wife, who has inspired a charity transforming the Emsworth area.

Havant resident George Turner set up the charity Verity’s Gift to honour his wife, who died at the age of 33 from a subarachnoid haemorrhage in 2018.

The family’s story inspired a huge outpouring of support, raising more than £85,000 to fund a complete renovation of an Emsworth play area, which was used by Verity when she was a child and by her own daughter, Harriet.

Now George will take on the baton in his wife’s memory as he takes part in the relay through the area as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations next month. 

The 50-year-old said: ‘It was a bit of a shock and a great surprise. It was one of my clients that nominated me.

‘I had a very dark time after losing Verity. Athletics has been my life since I was a small child, and in the armed forces I competed at all levels, and I have always been an avid watcher of every Olympics and every Commonwealth Games. So to get this, it’s such an amazing thing, it’s an emotional thing – and I dedicate it to Verity.

‘It’s an immense honour and I know the British public will get behind the event – I can’t wait.’

The dad-of-one said: ‘‘The basketball courts in the next big project. We’re still in the early stages, getting quotes in. We’re fundraising but it is pretty tough with the economic climate we are in.

‘It gave me something to focus on, and now Verity’s Gift has just snowballed. My idea was to give something back to the community. We’re now bereavement counselling in schools, we give money to groups like Brownies through a community grant scheme.’  He added: ‘My daughter is now the face of the charity, and she’s very proud.  When I told her I’d be taking part in the relay, she was beaming.’

The News 1st July

30th June

Chichester joins coastal protection partnership

Chichester District Council has joined forces with Coastal Partners to protect its coastline by sharing coastal and environmental management expertise and resources.

Coastal Partners are formed of Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth Councils, who are existing members of the coastal protection partnership.  The team are made up of coastal engineers, surveyors, project managers and environmental experts who manage the coastal flood and erosion risk throughout the five councils. With Chichester joining the Partnership, significant benefits will be made throughout the region.

“The delivery of a resilient, professional, and cost-effective flood and erosion management service is becoming increasingly challenging in response to ageing defences, more extreme weather events and future sea level rise and the loss of experienced officers from the sector,” says Cllr Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council.

“By joining together with the other councils along our coastline we can combine expertise, local knowledge and access the most cost-effective solutions to protect our coastline and improve our local landscape. We can also continue to offer a robust and resilient service by sharing expertise and collaborating with other local authorities.

Lyall Cairns, Executive Head for Coastal Partnership, adds: “The team and I are pleased to welcome Chichester District Council to the partnership. We are looking forward to sharing knowledge and expertise to reduce flood and erosion risk to our shared community, while enhancing the environment for future generations to enjoy. We have a shared passion for our coastline and believe working together across five local authorities will deliver a high quality, resilient, and cost-effective service for our residents.”

Councillor Clare Satchwell, Cabinet Lead for Planning, Hayling Seafront Strategy and Coastal Management at Havant Borough Council comments: “We warmly welcome Chichester and it’s beautiful coastline to the Partnership. There are a lot of shared benefits for all with this development and I am thrilled that the District will be joining the Coastal Partnership.”

Simon Martin, Executive Member for Planning and Development at Fareham Borough Council said: “Coastal protection is incredibly important to offset the impact of global warming. We are delighted that Chichester District Council has joined forces with Coastal Partners as the more authorities that come together the more effective our defences will be and the better we can engaging with residents to encourage community involvement.” Find out more about Coastal Partners by visiting www.coastalpartners.org.uk

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29th June

Take a walk on the wild side of Emsworth

A new wild meadow has been created in Emsworth to help increase biodiversity in the area.

Designed by Havant Borough Council and supported by section106 funding and developer contributions, the area is set to take shape, mature and become a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) that will be used to enable wildlife to flourish and increase biodiversity.

Havant Borough Council  29th June

28th June

The Brookfield Hotel in Emsworth is on the market for £3,400,000

The Brookfield Hotel is located in a prominent roadside position near the coastal village of Emsworth. Situated on the edge of the Chichester harbour area of outstanding natural beauty, makes this property an ideal base for those visiting the south coast.

Established in 1972, the hotel was originally built as two substantial residential properties, which has been extensively re-developed and extended over time by the Gibson family to become one of the town's preeminent employers. The hotel was sold to Hughes Hotels, an independent family-owned group of three- and four-star Hotels, Spa & Restaurants, located in Salisbury, in 2007 and subsequently further modernised.

The hotel has high levels of repeat business and a strong local following year-round. This is supported by its large offering of public areas, including restaurant for 80 covers, four meeting and events rooms, lounge and bar for 30 covers and a car park to hold 70 cars. At the rear of the hotel, the Hermitage Suite  can host up to 130 people. The variety of choice makes this modern hotel a popular venue for conferences and events.

Simon Hughes said “After 15 years of successful Hughes family ownership, semi-retirement is calling. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time running the business and are very proud of our achievements. The hotel is loved by many and we now hope to find a buyer that will share the same passion. We recognise that it is time for fresh eyes and ideas to drive Brookfield forward and onto even greater success.”

The hotel benefits hugely from the leisure trade, both in passing and destination, as well as business travellers. The location is an exceptional base to explore South Downs National Park which is a short drive to the north. Portsmouth and the historic Naval Dockyard is a 7-mile drive to the west, and the cathedral city of Chichester is 10 miles to the east. Events such as the world-famous Festival of Speed at the Goodwood Estate, is held just 11 miles away from the hotel, attracting international tourists. The hotel is also easy access to London, with a short journey of one hour and 33 minutes from Waterloo to Havant station, which is just two miles away.

Josh Sullivan, associate director at Hotels Agency team at Colliers comments: “The Brookfield Hotel has been operated by our clients for almost two decades and in that time the family has created an established and consistent profitable business. It is situated in a commanding and highly sought-after location close to various key demand generators, therefore we expect the sale to generate a significant amount of interest. This sale presents a unique opportunity for an operator to acquire an income producing asset that benefits from an enviable mix of both corporate and leisure trade.”

24th June

Heidi's Patisserie to close 6 of its branches and relocate bakery due to cost of living

A Much-loved patisserie has announced a restructuring of the company which will see six of its local branches close and its bakery relocate.

Hayling Island based Heidi’s Patisserie, which was founded in 1969, will see its bakery relocate to Emsworth and its branches in Mengham, West Town, Havant, Alresford, Drayton and Cowplain close.

The company has blamed the current economic climate and the effects of the pandemic, together with the war in Ukraine, for its downsizing plans.

Heidi’s will close its Alresford patisserie at the end of September when the lease on the shop building expires, while those at Hayling, Drayton, Cowplain and Havant will shut in December.

The company plans to refurbish its Emsworth store and will be reopening its bakery operation in the town early next year along with a takeaway shop at the front.

Owner, Heidi Elliott, said: ‘Running Heidi’s for the past 30 years has been a privilege, a challenge and an amazing way to have been part of the local community. I personally feel overwhelmed by the loyalty we have received from our employees and customers and would like to thank them all for their support. I look forward to continuing the Heidi’s name at our refurbished branch in Emsworth.

‘The reason we're downsizing and relocating is just because it's not financially viable for us to continue.’

The bakery chain first launched in North Street Arcade, Havant, in 1969 when founder Ernst Strassman opened a patisserie named after his daughter, Heidi, having previously worked as head pâtissier at Fortnum & Mason in London.

The second shop opened in Elm Grove in 1975 and then relocated to Mengham road in 1985.

It remains a family-run firm, with Heidi Elliott at the helm.  The company is currently carrying out a consultation with staff regarding restructuring.

Heidi added: ‘We've got wonderful, longstanding staff. We've got some that have probably been there 30 years since I started.  We've had very loyal customers that have been coming into us and going into quite a few of our shops for many years.  We're a cornerstone of the local communities where our shops are I suppose.  It's been a very hard decision but there isn't a choice really. It isn't sustainable as it is.’

The News 24th June

13th May

The Friends of Chichester Harbour’s ‘Return of the Tern’ project 

With Wildlife Awareness Week on the horizon (from Monday 20th June), Here is an update on the ‘Return of the Tern Project'

•        Located at two sites in Chichester Harbour, five new tern rafts - measuring 4x4 metres and kitted out with shingle and sand - were launched within the past month to welcome terns returning to UK shores.

•        3D printed ‘dummy terns’ - painted by Chichester Harbour Conservancy youth rangers - have been located on the rafts to help attract the returning nests for breeding and nesting.

•        The rafts are fitted with cameras and so progress on eggs laid and chicks hatching can be viewed.

•        At one of the raft sites, terns were seen landing on the the rafts within minutes of their deployment. Two days later, tern and black-headed gull eggs had been laid on the rafts.

27th May

Emsworth woman to hold her first ever dog show complete with competitions, training sessions and dozens of stalls

AN EMSWORTH woman is to hold her first ever dog show complete with stalls, training, competitions and a jubilee theme.

Mary Burgess, founder of Animal Star Events, has teamed up with about 25 stall holders, dog trainers and sponsor Agria Pet Insurance, to launch her first dog show at New Life Christian Church at Thorney Road in Emsworth on August 6th.

Owners, dog-lovers and families alike can take part in a day of fun with food and drink, craft stalls, picnic areas - with numerous dog competitions to enter.  Visitors are encouraged to dress up in their best jubilee outfits alongside their pooches who can also be dressed to suit the theme..  Mary has high hopes that this show will be a taster of what’s to come, saying there is ‘nothing like it’ currently in the area.

Competition categories include best rescue dog, best dog the judge would like to take home, the dog most like its owner, the cutest puppy and golden oldie.

Mary said: ‘There’s nothing like it down here. The nearest one would be Goodwoof or DogFest.

‘People can come and learn about training their dog, there’s a veterinary nurse on site who's going to be doing some basic pet first aid training so people can learn what to do when they're walking and a dog cuts its paw or any of those things.

‘There will be courses that people can go on and they'll be at set times during the day. We've got ice cream and doggy ice cream.

‘I’m really excited. We need something like this in the area because there’s so many dog lovers!’

Mary also runs Animal Star Awards which often hold competitions for owners to enter pictures competitions of their pets and nominate them for hero awards.

This new event will be supported by the Phoenix Rehoming charity which adopts and fosters dogs across England and Wales and won best rescue centre of the year with Animal Star Awards.

Competition judges on the day include Carla-Marie Moore, founder of Phoenix Rescue and former lord mayor of Portsmouth David Fuller.

The winner of each dog category will be rewarded a rosette and the two runners-up will receive a certificate.

Early bird adult tickets cost £2. From July 1 adult tickets will cost £4. Children go free.

The News 26th May

26th May

Historic Emsworth oyster fishing sailing boat granted funding for new cover thanks to The Lady Neville Charity

A FLAGSHIP oyster fishing sailing boat has been granted a huge cash sum for a new protective cover.  The historic Oysterboat Terror vessel was awarded £825 from The Lady Neville Charity who provide UK wide grants for arts and heritage projects to protect her from the elements.  The Terror, built in 1895, was rescued as a wreck by Chichester Harbour Conservancy and rebuilt through a Heritage Lottery Grant, launching again in 2006.

During the summer months it takes passengers on trips around Chichester Harbour from Emsworth Yacht Harbour.

The restored oyster boat Terror just after her official relaunch at the Emsworth Food Festival.

The new overall cover replaces the cover that was originally made at the time of restoration. The grant from the Skinners Company will help to pay for the total cost.  Among The Lady Neville Charity’s purposes is to create opportunities through education, training or sponsorship and, as a result, enriching local communities.

The Terror is manned by a dedicated team of volunteers from Friends of Chichester Harbour and her lines and traditional gaff rig can be regularly seen around Chichester Harbour during the summer months.

Commenting of the grant, Gavin Crick, trustee of Friends of Chichester Harbour and member of the Terror Operating Committee said: ‘We are delighted that The Skinners Company accepted our application for a grant towards the new cover for Terror.

‘As a voluntary organisation, we rely on funds from the passengers we take on board to help towards the running costs of this traditional craft, but major items such as this new cover need additional funding, and we are extremely grateful to the Worshipful Company of Skinners in coming to our aid.’

The News 25th May

25th May

Faster internet speed coming to Havant and Emsworth, according to project leader, after multi-million pound fibre optic broadband investment

INTERNET speeds in Havant could get faster as a multi-million pound project gets under way. CityFibre is planning to invest £17m in the area to lay out fibre optic broadband across the area, as well as in Emsworth, Southbourne and Westbourne.

Area manager Jonathan Russell is leading the project and expects the upcoming works will improve internet speed in  these areas.

He said: ‘We think people will be amazed by the difference it will make, both now and for generations to come. Our investment will change that, and we cannot wait for residents and businesses to see what is possible with digital connectivity, which moves us forward into the future.’

Mr Russell added the Havant borough is the third worst mainland local authority area in the UK for fibre broadband coverage, with only 1.8 per cent of properties having it. Fill fibre networks are being set up, and according to CityFibre, speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download can be achieved.

The News 25^th May

19th May

Emsworth's Preparations for the Platinum Jubilee are well in Hand

A tribute in the form of a knitted rabbit has appeared on a pillar box in the Square and a series of events announced. 

Events will include a street part, fireworks,  a service of thanks giving and the lighting of a beacon in Westbourne.

Here is the full list with times and dates:

In Emsworth

Saturday 4^th June

COIN TRAIL from 10am - 4pm on the Mill Pond Walk between Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club and Emsworth Sailing Club in aid of RNLI. Bring all your spare change!

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING - 3pm for Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee at St. James Church, Emsworth P010 7DP. Followed by a Celebration Cream Tea in St. James Church Garden.

FIREWORK DISPLAY - 10pm Firework Display from the Mill Pond Walk over Emsworth Harbour. Best view point will be from the beach at Emsworth Harbour as low tide will be at 9pm. The Mill Pond Walk will be closed from 8pm.

Sunday 5^th June

EMSWORTH'S "BIG STREET PARTY" 12pm - 6pm in South Street Car Park. 6ft trestle tables with chairs to hire for £25, funds to be donated to RNLI. Contact Lulu Bowerman to book your table lulu.bowerman@havant.gov.uk Entertainment for all ages, live music, face painting, best "crown" competition and Street food will be available. The west side of the Square will be closed  from 12pm — 6pm to provide an additional  seating area but this will not affect Nile Street.

And in Westbourne   

Thursday 2nd June BEACON FOR THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE at 9pm The Common, Monk's Hill, Westbourne

Sunday 5th June WESTBOURNE'S BIG JUBILEE LUNCH STREET PARTY 12pm - 3pm. Church Road, Westbourne

 1st May 

Free community bus to reduce loneliness and unite residents on Thorney Island, Chichester, Havant, Southbourne, Nutbourne, Hambrook, Westbourne and Emsworth

A community bus aimed at uniting local residents and reducing loneliness is being launched next month.

From June 7, the Bourne Community Bus will provide much-needed free transport for many isolated families on Thorney Island, as well as Southbourne, Nutbourne, Hambrook, Westbourne and Emsworth.  The free 16-seater minibus will run Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from Thorney Island to places like Havant and Chichester. Its routes have been finalised based on resident research, and will do eight circuits a day, stopping at twenty chosen locations.

It will take its first public outing at Chichester’s Platinum Jubilee parade on June 4.  Tracie Bangert, Southbourne Parish and District Councillor, said:   “Loneliness on Thorney Island has been an issue for years.  Many families live miles from local shops or services, and would have to travel north up a road that’s just too far without a car if you have children.  Post COVID, we’re so glad we can now launch this desperately needed local bus transport service to local communities.”

The project is run by the Southbourne Community Land Trust, a non-profit society set up to bring new services and affordable housing to villages in the Bourne area.  The aim is to unite residents with trips to local shops, social activities, medical care and after school activities.  Twelve volunteers have been recruited to drive the bus, eight of which have already been MIDAS trained to assist disabled passengers.  Additionally, there will be a second bus - which also has full disabled access - running seven days a week.  This will be available for hire at a low cost for residents, as well as social and community groups.

Project founder Andrew Kerry-Bedell said:  “We’ve spent the last nine months raising £50,000 from a combination of Parish contributions and grant applications.  This means we can lease new minibuses with all the maintenance and insurance included, so service reliability is a given.  A second minibus means we can bid for contracts for special school runs and provide transport to help military veterans and local care homes, all adding extra funds to keep the two Bourne Buses on the road.”

For more information, visit: www.bournebus.co.uk

Sussex World 10^th May 2022

22nd April

Emsworth firm raises £11,000 for Ukrainian aid following fundraising evening

An Emsworth restaurant and bar has raised an epic £11,500 for the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis following a charity fundraiser, raffle and auction held on Monday. SUS-220421-164500001

The restaurant and bar venue JJs, in Emsworth, hosted a fundraiser on bank holiday Monday and managed to raise a whopping £11,500 for Ukraine’s Humanitarian Appeal.

The money from the evening was donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), Ukraine Appeal, a charity meeting the needs of refugees and displaced people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.  The evening, which began at 7pm, hosted a dinner for guests along with a charity auction and raffle, and staff collected loose change from regulars and attendees which brought them to their impressive total.

John Miller from Emsworth, owner of JJ’s, organised the fundraiser with the help of his staff. He said: “We’ve still got donations coming in now, so we know the total’s going to rise.  It was a fun night everybody enjoyed it.”

The venue, which hosts live music every Tuesday and Sunday, also saw performances from local musicians Mama Funk and Archie who provided their talents free of charge and who regularly perform every Sunday.

The DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal’s mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives by bringing together leading UK aid charities, raising funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas.

“We chose this charity because of what’s going on in the world, we felt we wanted to help the people of Ukraine” added John.

John and his staff at JJ’s praised the level of support they received from the local community which allowed them to present the £11,500 cheque to DEC the following day.

“We’ve had a lot of local support, people are still bringing in donations even now, it’s great,” he said.

Sussex World 21^st April 2022

20th April

THE ‘RETURN OF THE TERN’ PROJECT TAKES FLIGHT ON SOUTH COAST,  WITH NEW NATURE RECOVERY OFFICER APPOINTED.

Grant awarded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund to  The Friends of Chichester Harbour for 18-month programme.

(This May’s placement of five new tern rafts marks the start of the Friends of Chichester Harbour’s ‘Return of the Tern: Nature Recovery on the Southern Coastal Plain’ project. The exciting new 18-month campaign has been made possible thanks to the £182,300 grant that the Friends received from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund last July.

To be undertaken in partnership with Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the ‘Return of the Tern’ is an ambitious environmental project that will focus on nature recovery along the south coast, stretching from Langstone Harbour & Farlington Marshes to Pagham Harbour and taking in Chichester Harbour, Bracklesham Bay and Medmerry too. It will also head inland along wildlife corridors - west and east of Chichester - up to the foot of the South Downs.

Following its successful bid for the grant, the Friends’ next step was to appoint Jess Vagg to the specially-created role of Nature Recovery Officer with specific responsibility for overseeing the ‘Return of the Tern’ initiative. Having previously worked as an Assistant Site Manager at The Woodland Trust and with an MSc in Conservation Science and Policy from Exeter University, 28-year-old Jess took up her position in November 2021. She has spent the past five months familiarising herself with Chichester Harbour, as well as its various communities and organisations dedicated to protecting and enhancing the coastal environment. Jessica has also been busy researching and securing the resources required for terns to return to the harbour to nest and breed.

‘Inspired by the work that Chichester Harbour Conservancy has already undertaken deploying tern rafts off Thorney Island, it is very exciting to be expanding on this activity with the placement of the new rafts at strategic points across the harbour. They will support tern nesting for the four-month breeding season from May-August,’ says Jessica. The first tern chicks are expected to hatch in June and cameras will be installed on each raft to chart their development.

‘Last Thursday, the Friends of Chichester Harbour collaborated with Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s Youth Rangers who painted and printed out 3-D images to mimic terns as a visual cue to attract real birds to nest on the rafts. We are also currently mapping out plans for a shingle recharge at Stakes Island from September to enhance the terns’ breeding habitat in time for next year.’

her Masters at Exeter University conducted research on the threat of plastics to marine vertebrates in the Galápagos.

16th April

Farewell St George?

 The annual St Georges Day parade had been a feature in Emsworth for many years until Covid curtailed it in 2020 and 2021. 

It had been hoped that it would be revived this year but due to the situation in Ukraine and the fact that 23 April fell during the Easter holidays it was not possible for the Army to supply any troops for the event.  100 Royal Artillery soldiers from Thorney Island have now been deployed to Poland.

The EMS Spring Edition 2022

5th April

Elections are coming – 5 May 2022

Polling cards for the election in the Havant borough area are arriving on doormats across the borough.

Residents are being advised to check their poll card to make sure that they know which polling station they need to use at the elections on 5 May. You can also check where your polling station is online at wheredoivote.co.uk.

If you don’t receive a poll card, make sure you are registered to vote. This is important if you have recently moved house. This needs to be done by Thursday 14 April to make sure that you can have your say at the ballot box.

How do you vote? You will only be able to vote if you are registered. Please be aware that even if you pay Council Tax, it doesn’t mean you are automatically registered to vote.

The easiest way to register is by visiting http://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.  There’s no need to re-register if you are already on the electoral roll.

It only takes five minutes online to register to vote. And don’t worry if you aren’t able to vote in person on Thursday 5th May 2022 because of being away, at work, or unable to get to a polling station – you can always register for a postal vote.

Have your say – anyway:  There are several ways to have your say in the elections in May - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote, and it is never too early to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

Residents can still vote if they are away on the May 5 polling day. If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now, the deadline for postal applications is 5pm on 19 April. The deadline for proxy votes is 5pm on 26 April.

If you want to apply for a postal or proxy vote, please contact elections.office@havant.gov.uk  or call 023 9244 6225/6.

Eligibility to vote: You will be eligible to register and vote on 5 May 2022 if you are:

•        a British, Irish, European Union or qualifying Commonwealth citizen,

•        resident in Havant borough, and

•        aged 18 or older on polling day.

•        EU citizens can still register and vote, even though the UK has left the European Union

Who are you voting for? This year is a local election, therefore you will be voting for someone to become a councillor, who will represent you in the area in which you live.

Havant borough is split into 14 wards, each of which has three councillors, (apart from Barncroft, Battins, Bondfields and Warren Park which have two). In this election, voters will be electing one new councillor per ward.

Havant Bourgh Council 6th April 2022

4h April

he Emsworth Arts Trail returns at the end of the month: April 23^rd-24th & 30 May 1^st – 2nd

With 85 participants looking forward to meeting you in their own homes, studios and community spaces the variety is extensive. Artists and makers are also displaying taster exhibitions in Emsworth businesses bringing the excitement of the Trail to the very heart of the town.

The majority of venues are located within a mile of the centre so why not make a family day out by walking or cycling around this picturesque seaside town? With such a wide variety, from painters to jewellers, photographers to ceramicists and much, much more, there really is something to interest everyone.

It will be great to welcome back our many return visitors and of course wonderful to meet many first time visitors to what will be a fresh and exciting Trail for 2022.

The Arts Trail Guide can be downloaded HERE and the Map HERE

If you are an artist interested in joining the trail next year please drop an email to us so we can add you to the waiting list: info@emsworthartstrail.org.uk

1st April

The Emsworth Forum and the Residents Association – moving forward with the Neighbourhood Plan

Following the official adoption of the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan last autumn, the Emsworth Forum (which produced the Plan) and the ERA will now work together to implement some of the projects in the Plan.

 At the meeting of the ERA on Thursday 14th April, 7 pm in the Community Centre, there will be an outline briefing on the potential projects.  Then at a meeting of the Forum on Friday 6th May, also 7 pm in the Community Centre they will be trying to get groups of people with shared interests together to develop the projects further.

 Emsworth CLT welcomes the determination of the ERA and the Forum to co-operate in this work.  If any future project involves affordable housing or other assets to be held in perpetuity for the community, the ECLT would hope to play a key role.

Emsworth Community Land Trust March 29th

25th March

The Emsworth Forum and the ERA – working together

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan was adopted last autumn by Havant Borough Council.  We now have to work towards the implementation of the projects which are included in the Plan (set out on pages 83-85), all of which should make Emsworth an even better place to live and work. There has been very close collaboration between the Forum and the Emsworth Residents Association and that’s continuing into the future, in order to make the best possible use of people’s time and energy.

We’ll need people to come forward to help us in developing the ideas which are in the Plan – for example, better cycling facilities, more for young people, reducing the impact of traffic, our own local levelling-up agenda looking at the infrastructure needs of the whole of Emsworth….and much more.

To fund or kick-start projects, we’re looking at using funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy, which comes from developers as they build new housing and other developments across the borough.  Some of that funding is ring-fenced for Emsworth because we have a Neighbourhood Plan in place, but we’ll also be bidding for funding in competition with other parts of the borough.

There will be two opportunities for you to learn about Emsworth’s projects.  Firstly at the meeting of the ERA which is taking place on Thursday 14th April, there will be an outline briefing on the potential projects.  Then at a meeting of the Forum on Friday 6th May we’ll be trying to get groups of people with shared interests together to develop the projects further.

It’s really important to stress that there is still an opportunity to put forward projects which any group in Emsworth would like to see happen.  We want to be inclusive and encourage engagement by people who aren’t already involved in the Forum or ERA.  Just let us know your ideas.

Our contacts are:

Mike Bateman – Chair Emsworth Forum

Email: mikebateman20@gmail.com

Phone: 01243 374348

Theo Schofield – Chair ERA

Email: theoschofield@icloud.com

25th March

Local initiative sets agenda for wildlife-friendly beach cleans

 A guide to making beach litter-picks more friendly to nature has been launched in a collaboration between local wildlife organisations and beach cleaning groups. The initiative, led by Bird Aware Solent, aims to make people more aware of potential disturbance to wildlife when they remove litter from the beach.            

Litter-picking drives are becoming more popular along the south coast with local people inspired to give up their free time to keep their neighbourhood coastline clean and tidy. The new guidelines ensure these community-minded projects minimise disturbance to wildlife that makes its home on the beach A guide to making beach litter-picks more friendly to nature has been launched in a collaboration between local wildlife organisations and beach cleaning groups. The initiative, led by Bird Aware Solent, aims to make people more aware of potential disturbance to wildlife when they remove litter from the beach.

Litter-picking drives are becoming more popular along the south coast with local people inspired to give up their free time to keep their neighbourhood coastline clean and tidy. The new guidelines ensure these community-minded projects minimise disturbance to wildlife that makes its home on the beach. The wildlife-friendly beach clean guide is available to download from the Bird Aware Solent website at www.birdaware.org as well as from the other organisations involved in the project: Final Straw Foundation, Marine Conservation Society and the 2 Minute Foundation.

Anna Parry, Bird Aware Solent’s partnership manager, said: ‘We’re grateful to those who give their time to remove litter from our coastline. These new guidelines will ensure disturbance to our wonderful birds and other wildlife is kept to a minimum.’

Packed with tips and advice about taking part in beach litter picking events, the guide provides insight into unexpected spots where wildlife might be hidden such as within abandoned tyres and old pallets. It also highlights important feeding area for birds, such as the high-water line, to make sure disturbance is minimised. Special mention is also made about seals which can be particularly vulnerable to human presence.

Above all, people taking part in beach cleans are encouraged to follow the nature-friendly coastal code: look out for wildlife; move further away if birds or other wildlife become alert to your presence; keep dogs alongside you; and follow request on signs.

Ends

For more information contact Kate Price McCarthy at Bird Aware Solent: kate.price.mccarthy@hants.gov.uk , 07799866944

For more information, please visit the Bird Aware Solent website.

24th March

The Old Sorting Office renovated into Workshop and Events space

The Old Sorting Office behind the former post office on North Street, Emsworth has had facelift through renovation and is set to become a fantastic, airy space for workshops and events. 

Felix Tabitha moved into the Post Office in November 2021 and turned the old counter and office space into a gallery and gift shop housing an eclectic mix of local artists and handmade creatives work as well as a handpicked selection of vintage finds.  The shop and gallery opened a few weeks before Christmas and as Kathryn Seal, the owner says, ‘stocks products that I would want to buy myself’.

Over the Christmas holiday period work started on the Sorting Office space, cleaning away the years of industrial dirt to reveal a beautiful room, complete with high ceilings, skylights and even a stage.  Facilities were added and the character of the space was retained including the sorting office entrance way with Post Office red door.

Kathryn told us, ‘the process wasn’t without its hitches.  One morning we came in to a flood from one of the pipes and it took a few days to clear that.  It took a lot of help from family to restore the space to its former glory, but it really is an amazing light space with fantastic acoustics now’.

The workshop programme of art and crafts is growing all the time.  Visitors can book to do taster or courses in fused glass, felting, pottery, printing, watercolours, life drawing, papercraft, photography, sewing and candle making to name a few.  The ‘Pottery Throw Down’ workshops are very popular as Di and Rosie from Biscuit Pottery bring wheels and teach bowl, vase and mug making.

Regular weekly events also take place with life drawing and yoga twice weekly.  The space is also hosting 9 local artists for the Emsworth Art Trail this year, taking advantage of the gallery hanging space and plenty of room for visitors.  Wemsfest is hosting one of its events in May at the venue with Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern, acoustic guitarists, performing on Sunday 15^th May.

The Sorting Office is looking for other hirers for weekly meets or one off events/concerts.  Please contact Felix Tabitha on hello@felixtabitha.co.uk for more information.

22nd March

Local GP Dr Hannah Morgan to Run Southampton Marathon in aid of Emsworth Food Bank (Love Your Neighbour campaign)

I'm running Southampton Marathon on 24th April 2022, raising money for a food bank which was setup in Emsworth, during the COVID pandemic, as a response to help families and individuals in need. Love Your Neighbour Campaign gives local people food parcels and care packages. They receive referrals from local community organisations, our schools, councils, churches and individuals can get in touch themselves. They work in partnership with other local food banks.

We know that times are going to be really tough for people over the coming months, with the cost of living rising. Which is why it is so important that we support each other locally. It has been heart-warming to see the community spirit during COVID. I am keen to make sure our foodbanks are well stocked as people's living conditions get harder over the coming summer months.

I have never run a marathon before. As a mum of 3, a military wife, working as a GP, being Clinical Director of our Hayling Island and Emsworth Primary Care Network and last summer becoming Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation for South East England, I like life to be busy! Juggling roles, with leading the vaccination programme and helping build our teams to maintain and improve care, has been an incredible privilege but at times exhausting. One of the highlights of the pandemic has been our volunteers - who gave so much in our vaccination centres. Working lots of hours meant that for a few months, while getting the vaccinations off the ground across Havant, my own wellbeing took a back seat. That was ok for the short-term but not for the long-term. In September 2021 I decided enough was enough and joined Leeanne Barber's Improvers Running Group. It felt great to dedicate an hours training on a Tuesday evening to my own health again. At that point I could jog 5k without stopping! Over the Autumn I did the Great South Run and QE Park Half Marathon. As we welcomed 2022 in, I had just had COVID and decided to sign up for a marathon - to keep me plodding and dedicating time to myself and my health. I hope to get round as close to 5 hours if I can.

We all know how good exercise is for our mental and physical health but it's not always easy to prioritise. We also know how good giving to others is for our own wellbeing. Certainly supporting local people and communities is a huge motivator and driver for me. It is so wonderful to know others will benefit from my marathon training too!

Please do support me by sponsoring me, if you'd like to and are able to. No pressure though! Every penny and ounce of moral support is very welcome and valued. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/drhannahmorgan

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Dr Hannah Morgan

Hayling Island and Emsworth Primary Care Network

20th March

KEEP CALM AND SING! - Well join Havant Light Opera

Do you fancy yourself as a rollicking pirate or a bumbling policeman? A flirtatious maiden or a pirate’s moll? Do you enjoy singing and performing? Well come along and join Havant Light Opera’s production of The Pirates of Penzance! Rehearsals have just started for our summer show and we would welcome new members to swell our chorus in this colourful, vibrant, and fun production.

HLO has been performing in the Havant area for over 40 years, annually producing a light-hearted summer show (usually a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta) and a festive Christmas event. It also puts on concerts in the local area, with music ranging from sacred to secular, from comical to classical. It is based at The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre in Havant, where it both rehearses and performs.

Despite the restrictions of Covid over the last two years, which resulted in the disbanding of many choirs and singing groups, HLO has stayed together and thrived. We are “friends who sing together” and through our supportive and adaptable approach we were able to stage two concerts last year.

We are now fully up and running, with members excitedly looking forward to a return to a full stage show. The Pirates of Penzance is one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s best-loved and possibly most well-known works. It is proving remarkably up to date, despite being written in 1879. After all, the authority figure saves his skin by telling a whopping lie. The text is easily modernized without losing the plot so listen out for the political spin we put on it!

HLO looks forward to welcoming any new members, regardless of age or experience. You do not have to be able to sightread but a sense of fun and camaraderie would be useful!! Our brilliant young Musical Director accompanies us at rehearsals and performances and we have a wealth of experience in producing musical theatre.

We rehearse on Monday evenings, from 7.30 to 9.30, at The Spring. You are welcome to turn up on at a rehearsal for a free taster session to see what we are all about or if you would like any more information, please get in touch with us via the contact page on our website – www.havantlightopera.co.uk .

Our show will be performed at The Spring from Tuesday 28 June to 2 July – if you cannot join us on stage then please do come along for an entertaining night out (www.thespring.co.uk ).

8th March

Ukraine war: Emsworth group Bridge to Unity reaches Ukraine-Poland border to give £25,000 of supplies to refugees

A selfless group from Emsworth journeyed to the border between Poland and Ukraine this weekend to deliver £25,000-worth of essential supplies to refugees fleeing war.

Members of Bridge to Unity, from Emsworth, delivering supplies to the border between Poland and Ukraine to help Ukrainian refugees. Pictured with aid workers in Poland after dropping off supplies

Members of Bridge for Unity have been keeping people updated on their venture as they set off from the UK in the early hours of Saturday (March 5) morning and reaching their destination on Sunday.

The team of five were able to unload goods including bandages, first aid kits, sleeping bags, torches, batteries, power banks, phones and chargers to the Zintegrowana Służba Ratownicza (ZSR) – a Polish group which provides emergency medical care in crisis situations.

Today the team, made up of founder Matt Simmons, Libby Rose, Hannah Jarvis, Don O’Leary and Mike Petty, thanked all their supporters who donated crowdfunded more than £24,400.

They said: “It is fair to say we’ve all cried a lot of tears this morning. Tears of relief, joy and thanks to every single person who has donated to our Just Giving page over the last week.

“The four of us have been working 20 hour days on this for the majority of the week and to see it all come together has been overwhelming to say the least.

“Zintegrowana Służba Ratownicza you are the most incredible group of people we’ve ever had the joy of working with. You’re selfless, heroic and everything in between.

“We are going to do everything we can to support the wonderful work that you you’re doing to help the people of Ukraine and this is just the beginning.

“We have some important meetings next week to discuss our next aid mission to Ukraine which again will involve the wonderful ZSR and we are going to keep you all informed.

“We are nothing without your support.”

Bridge to Unity was originally established by veteran Matt Simmonds last year as Ems4Afghans to support Afghan refugees, but was rebranded this year to help during the Ukraine war.

While at the Ukraine border, member Libby Rose reported seeing 2,500 refugees

She said: “From the moment you arrive there’s no mistaking what these people have gone through and are currently going through.”

It is planned the convoy will reach the UK by Sunday night.

Bridge to Unity is planning to keep getting supplies to Ukrainian refugees.

To help them do so visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matt-simmons-1.

 Sussex World Monday, 7th March

3rd March

Councillor Kennett calls out developers

At Havant’s Planning Policy Committee on February 22^nd, Emsworth Councillor Richard Kennett blew a couple of holes in an opportunistic manoeuvre by Land and Partners, the company that has submitted a planning application for 210 homes off Long Copse Lane.  The Committee were discussing a Housing Delivery Position Statement, which explains how the Borough Council will respond to planning applications for new housing, following the withdrawal of the ‘emerging’ Local Plan.  Land and Partners saw an opportunity to promote their application with a written deputation and three minutes to address the meeting.  Fortunately Cllr Kennett, although not a member of the committee, had spotted two inaccurate statements by Land and Partners and he was able to address the meeting and point these out.

The first faulty claim was that because the Inspectors’ Interim Report makes no specific reference to Long Copse Lane, they have no soundness or other concerns about the site (in contrast to other sites where problems with deliverability were identified).  In fact the Inspectors say explicitly (para. 55) that they have not examined “a significant number of site allocations, which might lead to further concerns”.

Land and Partners’ second claim occurred in the sentence “sites that are underused and wholly or partly brownfield such as ours will have a vital role to play in securing sustainable development”. Cllr Kennett observed that it is “stretching credulity to breaking point” to describe the fields off Long Copse Lane as a brownfield site.

Emsworth Community Land Trust 2nd March 3022

1st March

Donations needed to help Ukraine as Emsworth-based community organisation set to take supplies to those in need

‘We are reaching our arms out to the Ukraine from the UK’, says an Emsworth-based community organisation as it urges people to give what they can to a fundraising drive helping those affected by the conflict.

Emsworth veteran Matt Simmons founded the Ems4Afghans organisation last year as a way to help the people he worked alongside as an RAF technician in Afghanistan.

Now relaunching as the community interest company Bridge to Unity, the organisation is gathering crucial donations to help those in Ukraine.

Matt said: “From what we’re hearing is that the borders are being flooded with people.

RAF veteran Matt Simmons founded Ems4Afghans having witnessed the plight of the Afghan people during his posting to Kabul. Picture: Mike Cooter

“Kyiv is such a beautiful city and it’s devastating what’s happening. It’s really scary.”

Ems4Afghas/Bridge to Unity is hoping to collect donations of medical supplies including bandages and first aid kits, as well as sleeping bags, torches, batteries, power banks, and phones/chargers.

Matt said: “I’m going up to Poland next week, by next Sunday, with a load of items.

Three full carloads of donations for Afghan refugees collected last year in Emsworth. Picture: Mike Cooter

“We’ve linked in with people in Poland and Ukraine - we’re going to try and take as much as we can.’

The group is also launching a fundraising campaign to collect money that will be given to organisations helping at the grassroots level in Ukraine.

Matt added: “We are negotiating with companies to help with medical supplies and also funds will be directed to an organisation working on the ground in Ukraine, I’ve listed some other items that have been asked for.”

To make a donation, contact Ems4Afghans/Bridge to Unity by visiting the Facebook page at facebook.com/Ems4Afghans, or on Twitter at @Ems4Afghans.

Find out more about the crowdfunding campaign at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matt-simmons-1.

He said: “In a crisis, it’s nice to see the community come together, but people don’t always know how to help.

“People don’t know who to go to so I’ve always been really transparent about where items are going to and how money is being spent.

“I really think with our proactive nature and with people behind us, we can make a difference.”

Sussex World Monday, 28th February

26th February

Residents' anger as Havant council approves new mini-estate because it needs to build homes

A COUNCIL has approved a greenfield housing development, despite being a site of importance for nature conservation (SINC).

The proposal for nine homes on land off Long Copse Lane, Emsworth, was approved by Havant Borough Council (HBC) because it needs to build new homes.  The site will provide a mixture of semi and detached homes with associated works - ecological mitigation is required due to the land being Building on a SINC conflicts with the council's planning policies however, due to the council being behind on its housing targets those policies are out of date.

Resident David Mason, who lives adjacent to the site said: ‘At the Tory party conference last September, the prime minister said that no more homes would be built on greenfield sites and that brownfield sites will be developed instead.

‘Under the applicant's plan the SINC grasses would be moved to the fields to the east by HBC however the applicants admit that the experience of translocating grasses is varied - therefore HBC cannot be certain that the SINC site will not be ruined.

Neighbouring resident Chris Poirrier added: ‘Mr Nick Knight, Hampshire county bat recorder, completed a survey of the area using a nocturnal monitor.  The monitor made over 11,000 recordings over a one month period in June 2021.  At least nine species of bat were identified including several types of Barbastelle bat which share the same near threatened status as the Bechstein.  The government and our local MP are pushing for the development of brownfield sites, urban regeneration and no greenfield development, I therefore ask that councillors maintain the conservative party line.’

Councillor Jackie Branson agreed that the site is ‘constrained’ and ‘not ideal’ but could see no reason to refuse permission.

‘Unfortunately, Havant doesn't have any ideal sites left, if only we did have we wouldn't be building on sites such as this.  We would like to have more brownfield sites, obviously, it was the brownfield sites that caused the local plan to be sent back.  We have the tilted balance and we have to look at whether the harm outweighs the need for housing in the borough and sadly we only have 3.9 years supply.’

The News Saturday, 26th February 2022

25th February

A new look to the “Town Brewery”

The new frontage of the Town Brewery,  closed in2013, has been revealed.  The former pub is undergoing renovation into a ground floor with flexible use as Retail, Financial and Professional Services, Food and Drink, Drinking Establishments, Hot Food or Takeaway premises while the upper floor has been converted into three apartments.  Work which has been going on for over two years now appears to be near completition.

22nd February

Chef James arrives at historic Emsworth pub with new burger fit for a Lord!

Highly-rated chef James Tuckey has marked his arrival at historic hostelry by creating a home-made burger to honour a war hero who served under the Duke of Wellington.

James took up his new role at The Lord Raglan and his culinary creations have delighted regulars at the quaint Queen Street pub in Emsworth. And one of the first things he did was to conjure up a tasty, garlic and thyme infused burger named after the colourful peer who gives his name to the 18th-century inn.

The eponymous hero of the pub, Lord Raglan, was a trusted member of the Duke of Wellington’s staff. He was injured at the Battle of Waterloo, and later became Commander in Chief at the Crimean War before succumbing to illness in Russia in 1855.

Highly-rated chef James Tuckey at The Lord Raglan in Emsworth. Picture by Carl Eldridge

James says he wanted to mark his tenure at the historic pub – set on the water’s edge – with a signature dish and came up with the recipe after researching the life of the brave Field Marshall.

“He was a real character and I like to think that the burger has plenty of that kind of chutzpah,” he said. “The Lord Raglan is a pub I have admired for some time and when I was offered the chance to work here it was a very easy decision to make. It helps that when I do get a quiet moment I can go into our beer garden and contemplate by gazing out on to the water because it affords us such wonderful views here in what is a very pretty coastal town. It’s so picturesque.  The regulars are very friendly and it’s real pleasure cooking for them. Their appreciation goes a long way to providing more inspiration for new dishes and with spring and summer on the way we have more plans afoot to unveil more dishes on the menu, that will hopefully appeal. And if you are an ale enthusiast then you can enjoy your Fuller’s favourites on tap. If you prefer grape to grain, we’ve a great collection of wines too.”

Sussex World  21st February 2022

21st February

Heartbreak for Emsworth family fishing business as livelihood jeopardised when ‘pride and joy’ boat smashed by Storm Eunice

A FISHERMAN has told of the heartbreak he felt at seeing his ‘pride and joy washed up on the shoreline’ after Storm Eunice smashed his family business’s fishing boat.  Havant couple Chantelle and Peter Williams were devastated as they helplessly watched their boat Tia Maria get battered and destroyed by Storm Eunice.

Now, the future of their award-winning, Emsworth-based seafood business 'Fresh From the Boat' hangs in the balance.

Peter said: ‘It’s been tough enough with Covid without having this on top   Boats can be insured, but when it’s your business, that’s it until it can be fixed. It’s worrying times when it’s your entire livelihood.’

Chantelle and Peter have run Fresh From The Boat as joint owners for around 15 years, and Peter does the fishing in Emsworth Harbour.

The couple were onsite from the early hours on February 19, keeping an eye on the Tia Maria as the wind hit force 11-12.

.

While at the shop serving a customer, they were notified that a fishing vessel had washed aground at about 11am – and had been smashed against the sea wall and rocks.

Peter said: ‘We had kept a close eye on the boat but we couldn’t get near it. It’s had a real beating.  That was a serious bit of wind, I’ve never seen anything like it.  The Tia Maria is the boat that Peter uses to fish.  It was worse than any other storm we had.  The couple set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to repair or replace the boat, which could run into the tens of thousands.  I'm extremely worried about how long it’s going to take to get back up and running - it's a heck of a mess.’

Generous donors have already smashed the original fundraising target of £4,000 – but grateful Peter says the couple appreciate any help they can get.

He added: ‘I was quite shocked at how quickly the money was raised.  There is insurance but insurance doesn't cover not being able to work.

‘The support is quite amazing - I'm still trying to come to terms with it.’  Visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/storm-eunice-takes-fresh-from-the-boat-boat?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR3bS7choPUtlqWXXCzUljEIC5jK-z5o-HWkROaF9-n2Bqm_1HMjIYTLa5g

The News 21^st February 2022

9th February

Falklands Exhibition: The Story of a Ship an Emsworth Museum Exhibition 7^th – 28^th May

2022 is the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War and this exhibition is based mainly on HMS Antrim, a Portsmouth manned guided missile destroyer, which re-took South Georgia and then spearheaded the landings in San Carlos Water. Here she 'collected' an unexploded 1000 lb bomb which passed through her main missile magazine.

If you have any photographs or other memorabilia related to Emsworth men who took part in the Falklands conflict then please contact Dorothy Bone, dorothybone@btinternet.com in the first instance. We would love to hear from you.

3rd February

Food is our passion at Cross Kitchen

Steve and Gemma Cross have amassed impressive credentials in the fine dining restaurant business and in developing nutritious meals in Hampshire schools. Steve winning a national award as School Chef of the Year 2019 and Gemma as a master baker of delicious celebration

and novelty cakes.

They have combined their expertise to open Cross Kitchen, a bistro-style family enterprise enjoying a commanding location on the edge of St Peter’s Square. (The site was previously occupied by Greenhouse Café) On offer is a great selection of breakfasts, lunches, and light snacks. Focusing on seasonal and quality ingredients, everything is made to order for customers to enjoy. Attractively renovated to a very high standard and with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Cross Kitchen has been well-supported since opening last November, both by local people and Emsworth’s many visitors.

Steve places considerable emphasis on sourcing produce from local suppliers – Treagust Butchers, ‘Fresh from the Boat’, Hermitage Wines, Bellord and Brown vegetables, and Citrus Flowers, to name but a few. Gemma’s cakes are visionary masterpieces and taste wonderful too, with a selection of goodies for those who are gluten intolerant. It’s still early days but there are plans to develop the courtyard area with attractive planting and awnings to shelter customers sitting outside.

Already warmly welcomed into the business community, Steve and Gemma also hope to host some select events to promote and showcase local initiatives in line with Cross Kitchen’s ethos.

Report and picture by Shirley Farmer The EMS January 2022

28th January

Chichester harbour water 'would fail EU bathing water standards'
Water in Chichester Harbour would fail ‘EU bathing water standards’,

While Chichester Harbour is not a designated bathing water, Chichester Harbour Conservancy Trust compares results with the standards set out in the EU Bathing Water Directive.

A recent sample of water by the Chichester Yacht Club slipway shows that levels of Enterococci, a bacteria found in the faeces of most humans, were against the compliance standards of the European Bathing Water Directive. In an email seen by this newspaper, it is said that the impact on harbour users ‘in this instance would be extremely low’.
The news comes just a week after Southern Water showed figures stating that bathing water standards at nearby West Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey were ‘excellent’.

A spokesman for Southern Water said: “Southern Water is leading a multi-agency partnership dedicated to improving the ecological health of Chichester and Langstone Harbours and the Harbour Conservancy is a key partner in this effort.
"We are currently conducting base line monitoring of water quality and analysing the sources of nutrients and pollution. Shortly we will be trialling a real time water quality monitoring buoy.

"We are currently launching pathfinder projects with the aim of releasing storm water releases by 80 per cent by the year 2030 and have pledged to cut pollution incidents by 80 per cent by 2025 as a result of the £2 billion we are investing on wastewater equipment and network and environmental protection between 2020 and 2025.

"Chichester Harbour is working harbour and not a designated bathing water. The thousands of boats which use the waters along with agriculture and industry all contribute to water quality so while we are a key custodian of our precious water habitats, we are not the only one. Only by working together will the future of the harbour be protected and enhanced.”

Chichester Observer 27^th January 2022

14th January 2021

Chichester District Council supports walking and cycle route proposals on A259

PROPOSALS for a six-mile walking and cycling route between Emsworth and Chichester have won the support of Chichester District Council.

The £5m project was backed by members of the cabinet during a meeting on Tuesday. Members agreed with recommendations from the council’s environment panel that the installation of shared-use paths – for pedestrians and cyclists – through several villages along the route needed ‘further consideration’.

Plans for the Chichester to Emsworth route were put forward by National Highways – formerly Highways England – and recently underwent an eight-week public consultation.  

The meeting was told that, of the 436 people who took part, 257 (59 per cent) supported the scheme and 148 (34 per cent) did not.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by groups such as ChiCycle and the West Sussex Cycle Forum about safety, whether the scheme would reduce speeds along the A259 and whether cyclists would even use the new facilities.  Liberal Democrat group leader Adrian Moss described it as ‘flawed’, saying it needed to be changed.

A report to the meeting said that alternative ideas for the route put forward by the Chichester & District Cycle Forum and a number of parish councils had been deemed ‘not technically feasible’.  Alan Sutton (Con, Fittleworth) accepted that the scheme was ‘far from ideal’ but stressed that the current designs would be ‘far from the final plan’.  Insisting that the cabinet was listening to people’s concerns, he added: ‘There’s been an awful lot of work in the background to take into account the various views and to try to come to a sensible solution that not only represents the residents and the users but gives us the opportunity to do something for the future.’

Mr Sutton said he understood some of the frustration being voiced over the plans, adding: ‘There are very strong feelings around this issue – and feelings are always the things that are most difficult to deal with.

‘What we’re dealing with here is a decision that isn’t based on feelings, it’s based on facts.’

Roy Briscoe (Con, Westbourne) added: ‘This is the start of the process – these are the initial proposals.

‘It can and will develop. I’m absolutely certain about that.  We also have to be mindful that, through the villages, some of the areas will be turned into 20mph areas.  Hopefully it will have an impact, it will provide additional safety measures for cyclists, pedestrians and car users.’

Mr Briscoe reminded the meeting that, in 2017, a lack of local support led to improvements on the A27 being scrapped by the Secretary of State.

He added: ‘I’d hate to see that be the case for this because it does offer some improvements.’

It was a concern which was also touched on by Edgar Vila Pouca, the National Highways programme manager.

He warned: ‘Currently the funding is allocated. Should we decide to start again we would need to put a new bid in.  There are no guarantees at all that you would be successful.’

As for the route itself, Mr Vila Pouca said: ‘Ideally we would like to segregate traffic from cyclists and cyclists from pedestrians and we’ve done that on part of the route where we can.  Where we can’t, we’ve followed the guidance.  The guidance is very clear and it prefers to put cyclists mixing with pedestrians rather than vehicles where we have vehicles of the significance that we do along this section of road – and at the speeds that they do travel along there.  Within the scheme, we’re looking at reducing speeds and we need to work with West Sussex on that.  We’re also having conversations about reducing the width of the carriageway.’

Pointing out that 13-15,000 vehicles use the A259 every day, Mr Vila Pouca said only the most confident of cyclists currently risked using the road.  The new scheme would open up the route to all.

He added: ‘We do have ideas for improving the scheme but those ideas need to be discussed with [the county council} in a technical matter if the scheme is to proceed to the next stage of design.’

The cabinet noted those discussions and asked for the district council to be consulted on any changes to the scheme.

The News 20th January 2021

6th January

Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council Partnership Comes to an End

After a 12-year partnership, Havant Borough Council and East Hampshire District Council have decided that it is the right moment to establish their own management teams so they can focus on their different strategic priorities and deliver outcomes for their communities more quickly.

The partnership has been very successful since it was created in 2009 and has delivered significant savings for both councils - as well as providing other benefits.

Cllr Alex Rennie, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said: "We have had a really successful partnership but this is the right moment to move in our own directions.

"I would like to thank all the staff who have pulled out all the stops to deliver our shared priorities.

"I envisage that we will continue to work closely where there are tangible benefits for our communities."

Cllr Richard Millard, Leader of East Hampshire District Council, said: "We have worked as close partners because we have had a number of shared interests over the years - but now is the time to focus on our specific areas and really target our energy into delivering outcomes which benefit our specific communities.

"The management team and staff across both organisations have done an absolutely fantastic job and I look forward to continuing to work with them to deliver our priorities."

Havant Borough Council 6th January 2022

4th January

Emsworth volunteer recognised in New Year’s Honours list for dedication to museum and stroke club

A woman who has dedicated decades of her life to the Emsworth community has been named a medallist of the Order of the British Empire.

Dorothy Bone has worked tirelessly over the years as honorary secretary of the Emsworth Maritime and Historical Trust, promoting the area’s heritage, and as honorary minute secretary for the Emsworth Stroke Club.

Now, the great-grandmother is being recognised for voluntary services to her community as she is named in the New Year’s Honours.

She has been awarded a British Empire Medal, or BEM

Dorothy, who turns 84 on January 8, said:
“I was very surprised and honoured to get the envelope at the beginning of December.  I don’t know anybody else who’s had an award. I imagine somebody recommended me. I imagine there are thousands who get their names put forward - I would have thought there wouldn’t be room for me with all the doctors and nurses working through Covid."

Having lived in Emsworth for just over 40 years, and volunteering at the museum for nearly that length of time, Dorothy – has been Honorary Secretary of the Emsworth Maritime and Historical Trust since its inception in 1982 – has seen many changes at the heritage venue.  I think it’s a long service, shall we say," Dorothy said.
"Because I’ve been with it for so long, I’ve been through its ups and downs. I’ve seen quite a few different aspects of it."

While she is interested in local history, what Dorothy likes best is talking to people and helping organise volunteers at the museum.

She said: "I like finding volunteers to help man the museum when it’s open, and that can be quite a challenge in the summer.  I enjoy talking to people, and that’s what keeps me going there. I also help with finding exhibitions to encourage people to come in.  That’s been quite a challenge with Covid, obviously people are very wary. But we have managed to stay open."

The museum is able to keep running due to donations given by the public.

"We have to raise all our funds the best we can," Dorothy said.
"People are very generous to Emsworth Museum. Our efforts are rewarded."

Trevor Davies, museum chairman, said: ‘In 1982, the idea of an Emsworth Museum was in its infancy, supported only by a few personal collections of objects in individual garages.

"Dorothy has determinedly supported the trust as it developed into a fully functioning, wholly volunteer museum in Emsworth located in an iconic building leased from Havant Borough Council.

"During that time, she has shown great commitment in taking on a formidable workload that runs far beyond the scope of the normal secretarial role.  She looks after the museum volunteer stewarding rota; the co-ordination answering of local history queries received from members of the public; coordinates publicity as well as a number of other administrative jobs.  In recent years, in spite of her increasing immobility and frailty, Dorothy has continued carrying out all these responsibilities from home - by telephone and email."

Dorothy is also being honoured for her work with the Emsworth Stroke Club.  Dorothy’s husband passed away in 1996 following a stroke.

She said: "The stroke club helped a lot when he had his stroke, making life a bit easier to cope with, so I offered to help out."

Emsworth Stroke Club sadly folded during the first lockdown.

Trevor added: "The chairman of the Emsworth Stroke Club Mrs Gillian Knight told me that Dorothy has also been a tower of strength in support of this organisation for many years."

Dorothy has a stepson, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Chichester Observer 4^th January 2022

1st January 2021

 Table Tennis in Emsworth – a resounding success!

Maybe it was at school, through an official club, as part of a leisure centre’s activities or across the dining room table with the family but one thing is almost certain. We’ve all encountered Table Tennis at some point on life’s journey. What’s the betting you found it great fun too? It’s also possible that it’s crossed your mind that at some time, some day, maybe, you might get around to investigating the possibility of playing the odd game.

Well, be assured that Table Tennis is very much alive and kicking right here in Emsworth Community Centre. Members are predominately of the older generations and retired people but not all. Some are able to make table tennis part of their work/life balance. All standards of play are in evidence too from the early stage players to league players all mixing. Often people turn up with an apologetic ‘I haven’t played for 40 years’ but 3 or 4 sessions later it’s plain that the old knack is returning. Others quite openly admit to having no real experience but would like to try. No problem. We welcome all and are happy to help, guide and encourage.

We also have a budding youth section.

 We play across seven good quality tables and have coaches in our membership and our own ‘robot’ to help with coaching. How many groups can say that? Competitive? Of course we are. There is no point in playing if there is no competition. But we never let it spoil the atmosphere of fun and laughter.

What’s in it for you? Fun, friends and a good workout. It’s just amazing how table tennis exercises sharpens the body both physically and mentally. As an accomplished player we can guarantee you some hard-hitting competition and maybe the possibility of play in one of our four successful league teams.

Sessions take place on:-

• Tuesdays at 7.45pm - 9.45pm (mainly more accomplished players)
• Wednesday and Friday afternoons 2.30 - 4.30pm include tea/coffee and biscuits
• Some Sundays 6.30pm - 8.30pm league players practice
• Junior Coaching term time only Tuesday 6.00pm - 7.30pm contact Dwynwen (contact info below)

It costs just £2.50 per session. All we ask is that you become a member of Emsworth Community Association for the grand price of £5 per annum. We bet you’ve never realised that such value could be so inexpensive.

Tempted? C’mon. We can lend you a bat.  Game on!

Contacts:-

Stephen Long stephen.long@emsworthcommunitycentre.org.uk

Dwynwen Stepien dwynwen.stepien@emsworthcommunitycentre.org.uk

Emsworth Community Centre