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

31st December

Queen Alexandra Hospital volunteer from Emsworth who helped a terminally ill patient marry his partner named in News Years Honours

A SELFLESS Queen Alexandra Hospital volunteer who went above and beyond to ensure a terminally ill patient could marry his partner on site has been named as part of the News Years Honours

Portsmouth couple Vivienne and David were able to marry with just 24 hours’ notice this year thanks to the hard work of family liaison officer Leane Stevenson.

Family liaison officer volunteer at QA Hospital Leane Stevenson

David, 61, came into hospital with a suspected stroke but received the devastating news that he had tumours on his brain.

Vivienne, 58, said: ‘We weren’t sure if he had days or weeks to live. One of his dying wishes was for him and myself to be married and this is where we met Leane in the hospital who took all our worries away.

‘Leane came down to help us with some paperwork and from the moment we met her she became everything we needed.’  Sadly David died shortly afterwards.

50-year-old Leane, who lives in Emsworth, said: ‘I am proud to be part of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust as I am part of a team of caring and kind hearted people who want to help and make a difference.

‘Being involved with Vivienne and David was an immense privilege and knowing that we achieved a wedding in very difficult times fills me with a great sense of pride.’

David and Vivienne Wilson from Portsmouth

^{The News 31st December}

30th December

Llama rescued by fire service after ending up neck deep in reservoir

A llama that fell into an underground reservoir after escaping from its enclosure after dark had to be lifted to safety by West Sussex Fire &

Skippy the llama had fallen into the reservoir after escaping from its enclosure.

Skippy the llama had fallen into the reservoir after escaping from its enclosure.

Water rescue-trained firefighters from Bognor Regis and the service’s Technical Rescue Unit were mobilised shortly after 5pm on Tuesday evening to rescue the llama named Skippy when he ended up in almost two metres of water.

The llama’s owner had quickly dialled 999 after discovering the llama had managed to free himself from his enclosure and then fallen through the roof of a nearby underground reservoir off Adsdean Park Road near Funtington.

The crews were supported by a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service crew from Havant and a local vet who oversaw the rescue.  Carrying out the rescue, they used a short extension ladder to reach the point in the reservoir’s roof where Skippy had fallen through, and very carefully began removing some of the surrounding roofing to allow more space to carry out the rescue.

TRU Watch Manager Mick Lewin attended the incident. He said: “This was quite a challenging rescue to carry out, as not only did we have an animal that was quite distressed, but also in a dark, enclosed space under several feet of water.

“Our main priority was to try and calm Skippy down and prevent him from causing any injury to himself or to our teams while trying to rescue him. Once we had stabilised him in the water we were able to lift him back on to dry land where he was given a through check-over by the vet.

“Skippy’s owner did the right thing in calling for help rather than trying to carry out the rescue themselves, which could have led to them ending up in danger themselves.

“Fortunately Skippy has made a full recovery after his ordeal, and we hope he will be less inclined to go exploring after dark.”

West Sussex County times 30th December 2021

22nd December

Emsworth play park opens in time for Christmas

Emsworth children have been given the gift of a new play park this Christmas, thanks to the efforts of Havant Borough Council and local charity Verity’s Gift.
The new play area in Emsworth Recreation Ground is now open and offers fun, exciting, and inclusive play for children of all abilities and ages to play and learn together.
The £85,000 refurbishment is supported by funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy, Section 106 developers’ contributions and funds raised by Verity’s Gift through undertaking challenges and obtaining community funding. Donations to the charity came from many local organisations and businesses, including a very generous donation from the J Pritchard Trust.
The final design was informed by community consultation undertaken in October 2020 and is complimented by newly-installed fencing. An official opening event is currently being planned for January.
Councillor Gwen Robinson, Havant Borough Council’s Cabinet Lead for Affordable Housing, Communities and CIL, said: “It’s wonderful to see the new play park open and ready for children in time for Christmas.
“The park looks fantastic and it will be a great way for young families to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
“Thank you also to Verity’s Gift which did so much to get this worthwhile project off the ground.”
George Turner, of Verity’s Gift, a charity set up to help to local causes, said: “This has been a long time in the making and to finally see it finished is quite overwhelming.
“This is truly an amazing legacy in honour of Verity and on behalf of the trustees of Verity’s Gift, we are so happy to see this project complete. We would like to thank everybody that somehow contributed towards the play park.
“It’s been truly amazing how the community has got behind this project and we look forward to seeing children playing in the park.”
Contributions from the community included donations from: J Pritchard Trust, Treagust's Butchers, The Emsworth Residents Association, Emsworth Co-op, Cafe Moka, Rowlands Castle Golf Club, Jonathon Ditton Salons and Vin Wines.

Havant Borough Council December 22nd 2021

10th December

Emsworth Decorators Scoop Highly Commended Award

Local decorators MJ Lane Decorating were thrilled to be presented with a ‘Highly Commended Award’ at the recent Dulux Select Decorators UK awards in Coventry. The Dulux scheme and the annual Awards are the equivalent to the Michelin Star rating within the UK decorating industry. Morley and his colleague Sam were thrilled to attend the ‘black tie’ event, with a joint-nomination in the ‘Exteriors’ category for a project carried out locally on an historically important property in our area.

Morley Lane said “Being in a coastal location, the weather and salty air can make rot repairs, renovations and painting particularly tricky, even more-so on listed and highly important local buildings. Therefore being nominated was an honour, to then be highly commended and recognised for our quality, durability and workmanship is an absolute career highlight.”

Morley and Sam and their work at MJ Lane Decorating Services has resulted in them building a trustworthy reputation and very loyal customers. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship has led them to be extremely popular as local decorators, and now they have been recognised nationally. They are now taking bookings for exterior work well into 2023. Congratulations Morley and Sam.

 www.mjlanedecorating.co.uk

7th  December

1st December

Today is the First Day of the Living Advent Calendar.

All around Emsworth, residents, churches and business are setting aside the chocolate and taking the Advent Calendar experience to the next level with Emsworth's first "Living Advent Calendar".

From 1st December until 24th December a new window display will be unveiled in Emsworth every evening for some festive community cheer.

Use the map below to find the windows as they light up across the town this Christmas. See the map HERE

Why not post some photos of the windows that you find on our Facebook page: Emsworth Living Advent Calendar 2021?

See how many you can find!

20th November

Coalie Crawlers Raise £781 for the Fire Fighters charity

On Saturday 11 September 2021, the Coalie Crawlers swimmers took part in their fourth charity fundraising swim in aid of the Fire Fighters Charity.  All six swimmers successfully completed the 7.5km sea swim, from Hayling Island Lifeboat Station down the estuary into the slipway next to Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club.  Weather and sea conditions were fantastic and each swimmer was greeted at the finish by staff of the Coal Exchange, family, friends, the Emsworth fire fighters, local residents and visitors. All were awarded with a well-deserved medal.  However, as always, the swimmers could not, and would not, have done this challenge without careful planning, their own kayaker and a group safety boat all of whom gave up their time voluntarily.

Fundraising continued throughout the afternoon and evening at the pub with a BBQ and live music. Fire fighters and local people swam for this local cause. There was a real community involvement with everything with the food being donated by the Coal Exchange and live music by Paul and friends.

A cheque for £781 was presented to Kerry James, Fundraising Manager, on behalf of the Fire Fighters charity, on Friday 12 November 2021.  She said: “A massive thank you to everyone involved in making the fourth year of the charity swim such a success. These past 18 months have been challenging for everyone in so many ways and there is no doubt that this donation will go a long way in enabling us to continue to provide support to those in the fire community that need our help with mental, physical or social being needs”.

This charity swim proved once again a big success and the next one will be early September 2022.

10th November

.

JOB VACANCY – CHURCH VERGERS

CHURCH VERGERS FOR THE PARISH OF WARBLINGTON WITH EMSWORTH

A verger is required at each of our churches (St James and St Thomas a Becket) to supervise the building. Sundays and availability for weekday weddings and funerals would be beneficial.

Remuneration: Sundays £56; funerals £51; weddings £59. Holiday arrangements flexible.

Apply to the Parish Office, 20a Church Path, Emsworth for full details and application form – parishofficewwe@gmail.com or phone 07579 798010

24th October

Winter Walks for Wellbeing in Hayling Island and Emsworth.

The Hayling Island & Emsworth Primary Care Network (PCN) is a collaboration involving The Elms Practice, Waterside Medical Practice and the Emsworth Medical Practice. To support mental and physical wellbeing this winter, we will be sharing some favourite local walking routes each month as a series of Winter Walks for Wellbeing between now and January which will be concluded with a free virtual event promoting mental and physical health by trained wellbeing coaches Amy and Michele at The You Trust in January.

Our first Winter Walk for Wellbeing is the Hayling Billy Trail – a 3.7km walk that includes beautiful local scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities whilst keeping active! Many of our healthcare team and patients regularly enjoy this route for a walk or cycle. Find a detailed map of the route here - https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/england/hampshire/hayling-billy-circular-walk?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map

We’d love our local communities to join in so please feel free to share pictures and descriptions of your favourite local walk with us on our Facebook or Twitter pages or by getting in touch through our PCN website https://haylingemsworthpcn.co.uk/  so that we can share them amongst our patient communities to enjoy.

Our vision is that people lead healthier and happier lives and realise their potential in our Hayling Island and Emsworth communities. Bringing together three GP practices alongside our community health services to collaborate more closely allows us to make better use of local resources, gain shared learning and offer innovative ways of working. We aim to provide a holistic and flexible approach to health and wellbeing that makes sure we can empower everyone in our communities to gain the best support in the right way. Find out more here https://haylingemsworthpcn.co.uk/

21st October

T

Campaigners demanded end to 'destructive' bid for 200 homes north of Emsworth

A planning application for 210 homes on land north of Long Copse Lane has been submitted to Chichester District Council.  The plans could see the demolition of existing buildings and development of a new residential scheme.

Councillor Richard Kennett attempted to have the site removed from Havant Borough Council’s local plan in a bid to stop development, but was unsuccessful.He said: "I have brought together the Save Long Copse Lane group, Emsworth Forum, Emsworth Residents Association and Westbourne Parish Council to work together to fight this proposal as it impacts both on Emsworth and Westbourne.

"It remains a totally inappropriate development and location for up to 260 properties.

"There is a lack of infrastructure meaning there would be thousands of additional car journeys down a country lane, let alone the environmental devastation caused to the various habitats and the destruction of this tranquil area when it is torn up for houses, many of which will be unaffordable to local people."

However, Jonathan Walton, senior director at developer Pegasus Group, said: "There has been a huge level of analysis and assessment of the scheme over several years and all the arguments have been rehearsed many times through various public consultation processes.

"As the council has stipulated, there is a shortfall in its housing land supply.

"There is also very significant housing need in the borough, particularly for young families and new starters.

"Our site will include at least 63 affordable homes.

"Councillors have acknowledged this housing need as well as the means to resolve it, voting at Full Council to support the Local Plan as submitted for examination."

He also pointed out that the site is set to have a new drainage solution, and a play space open to the public, as well as ecological benefits including planting and a bat habitat. Outline plans have been submitted.

The campaigner said: "If Havant Borough Council insists on giving permission to proceed with the development North of Long Copse, then there will be a serious impact on both the Emsworth and Westbourne communities.

"It is not just local residents making a fuss. Local councillors and the Emsworth residents Association are fully supporting our campaign and have published similar concerns and are firmly against the proposal."

Andrew says that many local people are concerned about potential issues including sewage capacity and the impact on wildlife.

He added: "Westbourne councillors have highlighted that traffic volumes through the village are unacceptable and they fear that the village will be overwhelmed."

Plans also include landscaping, and access and supporting infrastructure.

The Chichester Observer 21^st October 2021

19th October

The Great Solent Birdwatch – take part this half-term

Bird Aware Solent is inviting local residents to take part in this year’s Great Solent Birdwatch which starts on Saturday 23 October and runs through to Sunday 31 October.

This annual event marks the arrival of migratory birds which spend the winter on the Solent and provides valuable data about different bird species in the area. In previous years, more than 70 different species have been counted with brent geese topping the chart for numbers.

To take part in this year’s birdwatch, participants should spend one hour counting the number of birds seen from any spot on the Solent coast: from Lymington in the West, to West Wittering in the East, and the northern side of the Isle of Wight. They can then share their results on the Bird Aware Solent website.

Councillor Seán Woodward, Chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire, the body that oversees Bird Aware, said: ‘The Great Solent Birdwatch helps raise awareness of the important birds which make our area their home in the winter and it’s a great way get children involved in local wildlife projects at half-term.’

Those taking part in the annual Great Solent Birdwatch range from wildlife experts to absolute beginners who are inspired to try birdwatching for the very first time.

Bird Aware Solent are asking people to report their birdwatching findings through its website at www.birdaware.org  where full details about the citizen science project can be found. The organisation also encourages participants to take care to share our shores with wildlife and not to disturb the birds during the birdwatching process.

This year’s Great Solent Birdwatch includes a competition where children and adults can submit their best photos of the birds and their surroundings. The winners in each category will receive a £40 voucher as a prize.

For more information visit www.birdaware.org  or contact: Kate Price McCarthy, Bird Aware Solent on 07871 990823 or via email at kate.price.mccarthy@hants.gov.uk

Havant Borough Council 18^th October 2021

12th October

Emsworth Yacht Harbour Wins Prestigious  - Marina of the Year Award

Marina of the Year Award is awarded by Towergate Insurance celebrates the best of over 160 Gold Anchor accredited marinas from around the world, as voted for by berth holders.    These awards give the opportunity to recognise those marinas that go above and beyond to offer outstanding quality and service to their berth holders and visitors.

Emsworth Yacht Harbour which has seen big improvements to the site over the past year – renovated slipway, improved entrance, new pathways.

Alison Wakelin – M.D Emsworth Yacht Harbour said,

“The team at Emsworth Yacht Harbour are delighted to be the Winner of the Towergate Coastal Marina of the Year 2021 for Under 250 berths. We were Runner Up in 2019 and are very proud to have gone one better this year. The timing of the announcement was just before our annual Summer Party, so we were able to share the good news and celebrate with many of our berth-holders. We are very grateful to our customers and the wider EYH community for all their support.”

5th October

Official opening this week of the new Emsworth Medical Practice

Havant MP Alan Mak will this Thursday (October 7) officially open the new Emsworth Medical Centre.

A number of key guests involved in the project will attend a short ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1pm. The Practice will be open to patients as usual.

The Practice received its first patients on July 26, little more than two weeks after the construction works were completed. The new surgery has been built on the site of the former Victoria Cottage Hospital on the other side of the A27, a very short walk from the previous building in North Street.

A £3.5m scheme involved redeveloping the derelict hospital site with some new build, but internally the building has been transformed to a health setting fit which provides light, spacious rooms for GPs, staff and patients.  The GP partners at Emsworth worked closely with NHS Hampshire, Southampton and the Isle of Wight Clinical Group, NHS Property Services, other partners - particularly the community - to select the site for their new home.

  The local LIFT Company, Hampshire LIFT Limited, was appointed to oversee the design and construction of the project on behalf of the CCG and the GPs, with NHS Property Services acting as landlord.  Contractors Mountjoy started on-site in January 2020 for what was expected to be a 12 month construction period - but the COVID-19 pandemic led to delays caused in part by a shortage of building material and the need for various contractors to socially distance themselves whilst working.

Mr Mak said: “After working to deliver Emsworth’s new GP surgery since 2015 alongside the local community and healthcare partners, I am delighted that NHS funding has now enabled the new medical practice to open.”

Dr Abu Chinwala, a GP Partner at Emsworth Medical Practice, said: “Our previous site was not purpose-built and we outgrew it long ago, as the population of Emsworth has grown and our number of registered patients has expanded so greatly over the years. The new building has exceeded our expectations. Our staff love it and I’m sure our patients do too.”

Sara Tiller, Managing Director (South Est Hampshire) for NHS Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), was thrilled that the long story to find the best possible site for the replacement surgery had had such a ”great ending.”

30th September

Historic Emsworth pub saved by brothers reopens today

The historic Ship Inn in Emsworth, which was saved by two brothers, reopens today (September 29). The brothers stepped in to save the pub after hearing that its future was in doubt.

After hearing that the pub was due to close, businessmen and brothers, Ben Standen and Harry Dumville, stepped in to ensure that the Ship Inn remained open.

They are busy preparing the pub in the High Street to reopen today (September 29), and their intention is to see its fortunes flourish with planned investments in all areas of the venue.

The pub has stood on the site since 1718, but was rebuilt in 1800, 1865 and again in the 20th century. When Mr Standen and Mr Dumville heard that the historic pub's future could be in doubt, they decided to approach pub chain Fuller's with the aim of taking over.

Mr Dumville said: "Emsworth is such a lovely place and the locals we have met have been thrilled that we got involved.

"We have a clear idea of just how we can make The Ship a community hub as much as a pub and long-term we have some exciting plans to ensure that as a business it holds its own in the High Street."

"An area such as Emsworth deserves to have a vibrant pub in the heart of the community and that is our goal."

With about 30 pubs closing each week in England, Mr Standen believes that the pandemic's impact on the pub industry has been 'shattering'.

He said: "I think we've lost something like 12,000 venues throughout the country in the past two years and obviously the pandemic caused by Covid-19 had a massive impact on the industry. For us to be able to try to make sure that one historic pub at least will be able to open its doors again is fantastic.

"We very much look forward to welcoming as many locals and visitors to the town as possible."

The Chichester Observer 29th September 2021

28th September

Long Copse Lane Proposed Development

You may already be aware of the Emsworth Residents Association’s news about that an application has been submitted for 210 new houses on land north of Long Copse Lane. Like the Residents Association, Emsworth CLT believes that this is an inappropriate place for new homes and supports the Save Long Copse Lane campaign.
 
The reasons for objecting include:

• The site is green fields with trees and wildlife, including a variety of rare bats. It sits on the edge of the National Park.
• The development will link Emsworth and Westbourne into one conurbation.
• The only access is the lane which is rural, single lane in places, and used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It will need to be widened to accommodate all the traffic from 200+ houses.
• The traffic will either go east through the centre of Westbourne or south along Hollybank Lane and Southleigh Road causing further congestion in the north of Emsworth.
• The plans are mainly for large detached houses which are profitable for the developers, and not the affordable homes that people need. 
• The schools in Emsworth and Westbourne are already full, and it will place further strain on GP practices.
• Other infrastructure, notably sewage disposal at Thornham, is full to overflowing. This will cause further damage to Chichester Harbour.
• Havant Borough Council had previously said that the site is unsuitable for development, and have now admitted that their only reason for putting it into the new Local Plan is to meet government targets.
• The Developers made a clear statement to the Government appointed Plan Inspector that they would not do this before he had ruled on the merits of the Plan.

Emsworth Community Land Trust (Emsworth CLT) 27th September 2021

28th September

The renaissance of the Emsworth Cottage Hospital brings an opportunity to connect the community to the surgery and to local art and artists

The concept here is simple. Health is what it is all about asthere are significant health benefits to being looked after in a relaxed and comfortable environment. We have introduced the idea of taking away your stress by providing you with an ever changing  selection of works by local artists. Both professional and amateur.

Visit the website  www.emsart.uk to explore the art displayed in the various waiting areas of the surgery where you will find information about the art on display, the artists and their background. An indication of what art can be purchased and prices. Buying local art gives an opportunity to acquire some great art at prices that are a fraction of that which you would pay in a gallery. And you will be helping to fund the development of the non-medical aspects of the building so we can make it better and better for future generations.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the artwork please visit www.emsart.uk for further information. 10% of the proceeds will go to the Emsworth Health Trust charity which provides medical equipment to the Emsworth Medical Practice.

25th September

Afghanistan: Emsworth veteran-turned-volunteer recounts moment he delivered donations to refugees

An RAF veteran has launched a community group to support Afghan refugees.

Set up by Matt Simmons, 41, Ems4Afghans provides a task force in support of other agencies and evacuees from Afghanistan.

The group, which has volunteers 'right from Bognor Regis to Southampton', was 'inundated' with thousands of donated items of clothing, toys, toiletries and other 'essential items', just three weeks after it was formed.

"It's been amazing," Matt said. "I started it out with a view of having a donation point in Emsworth Baptist Church.

"I wanted it to push it with my passion. I felt such heartbreak with what was going on.

"It was breaking my heart and I wanted to do something.

"It's gained so much momentum, it's been brilliant."

Matt, who served in the RAF as an airframe technician — working on Chinooks — said the standout moment after setting the group up came when he was contacted by an interpreter in quarantine at a local hotel with other Afghan families.

The moment was encapsulated by a heartwarming picture of two babies looking ateach other one was a child of a volunteer and the other an Afghan infant.

"He was a British interpreter who had worked for the army," Matt said.

"Lots of them had been in same clothes for four weeks.

"Local schools have done care packs in shoe boxes. Rainbows and Brownies have done toiletry packs."

Matt said he and the other volunteers went to the main hub and 'put as much as we could in two cars' to take to the hotel.

Ems4Afghans provides a task force in support of other agencies and evacuees from Afghanistan

He added: "We spent two hours with them. My children played with their children.

"It just cemented what we should be focusing on. It was a warm welcome in action.

"You could sense when we walked into the hotel, they had a massive smile on their face. Immediately, the uplift was incredible.

"The council staff there thought it was amazing.

"The children were laughing, smiling and all playing together. There were no barriers, apart from the language."

The moment was encapsulated by a heart warming picture of two babies looking at each other — one was a child of a volunteer and the other an Afghan infant.

Matt said: "That picture alone is so powerful.

"This is what we should be doing. It's a warm welcome and shows we respect each others cultures."

Matt is 'building new contacts every day' and hopes the project will be long-term.

He added: "It's gone further than I could ever imagine.

"There is still lots more to come

'We are going in the right direction."

Find out more by visiting the group's Facebook page or on Twitter at @Ems4Afghans.

Chichester Observer 24^th September 2021

24th September

Emsworth's Neighbourhood Plan is formally adopted

At Havant Borough Council's Full Council meeting, held on 22 September, members unanimously decided to 'make' (adopt) the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan.

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan is the first of its kind in the borough and is the culmination of seven years' work by the neighbourhood plan steering group and the local community, who should all be congratulated for their achievements.

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan now forms part of the suite of planning policies which will be used to determine planning applications in the area.

Voters in Emsworth went to the polls on 8 July 2021 to respond to the question: “Do you want Havant Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood plan for Emsworth to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

The results were as follows:

• The number of votes cast in favour of YES was 1734 (91%)
• The number of votes cast in favour of NO was 168 (9%)

The turnout was 23%.

The council agreed the following recommendation: That the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan is adopted with immediate effect so that it becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area.

To find out more about the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan click here.

 Havant Borough Coucil 24th September 2021

20th September

Tuneful return for tennis club

Tennis and squash players threw off the pandemic blues and enjoyed the return of one of their club's popular  "open mic" nights. (Sat Sept 18)

Members and friends of The Avenue, a tennis, squash and fitness club in Havant which draws many of its members from Emsworth and nearby, listened to a variety of performers at the club's bar and function room.  They included two youngsters making their debuts at the event. Nicole Parker, 13, also a talented swimmer, accompanied herself on the piano as she captured the room with Adele's "Make You Feel My Love", and a number of Carole King songs including "You've Got a Friend" and "Too Late Baby". Nicole recently visited the Bitter End Club in New York where it all began for the legendary American songstress.

Also making their debut were club members Lola Hart, 15, and her mother Netty who, true to their North American heritage, performed songs by Taylor Swift and the Wailin' Jennys.  They were dubbed "outstanding" by organiser John Gleadall, a well known figure on the music scene in Hampshire and West Sussex.

The Avenue members' guitar group, The Stringers, kicked off the evening with a new repertoire honed in lockdown; Mr Gleadall made his customary appearance alongside Hampshire singer-songwriter DiElle and her husband Chris Wood, and folk performer Simon Cattermole closed the show in his usual rumbustious style.  Mr Gleadall, a music teacher for 44 years before his retirement, now concentrates on musical theatre, songwriting and performing. The former director of Chichester Festival Theatre choir recently formed a new choir, the OK Chorale.

The Avenue club, tucked away behind the One Stop shop in Southleigh Rd, is one of the area's hidden gems. It features ten luxuriant grass tennis courts, seven all-weather courts, three squash courts and a gym as well as communal facilities.

For membership inquiries, contact 023 9248 2750,   email office@avenuelt.sc.co.uk, or visit the club's website //avenueltsc.co.uk

20th September

Exciting opportunities for young people at the Kickstart Havant Recruitment Fair

Organised by Community First and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the Kickstart Havant Jobs Fair will take place at Heart of the Park (formally Leigh Park Community Centre) on Wednesday 22nd September 10am-1pm.

DWP's Kickstart Scheme offers a new kind of job opportunity specifically for young people aged 16-24 who are on Universal Credit and looking to gain work experience. A variety of local employers have been invited to attend and recruit for their Kickstart Scheme placements; they will have exciting roles on offer to young people in the Havant area. The fair is unmissable for young people who are ready to take the first step towards their careers and are looking for great employment opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to go along suited, booted, and with their CVs in hand - and they may have the opportunity to be interviewed and leave with a job offer on the day.

Community First’s hope is that our event will help as many young people in the Havant area as possible to secure jobs and take the first step towards independence, whilst gaining work experience and valuable skills in the workplace.

For those feeling unsure about CVs or looking to learn interview techniques, Community First can offer guidance at Havant Skills & Employment Hub. The Hub is open every Thursday from 10am-12pm at Heart of the Park. Anyone who requires support to get into the workplace (regardless of age) is welcome to drop in and speak to our advisers to see how we can help them get ready to land new opportunities.

For further clarification on any of the above information, please contact marketing@cfirst.org.uk.

19th September

Plan to review pumping licence is good news for Ems

A group campaigning to preserve the River Ems has welcomed a planned review of the local water company’s pumping licence.  The review of Portsmouth Water’s licence is planned by the Environment Agency (EA), the national environmental watchdog, to see if it needs changing.  The licence, dating back to the 1960s, governs how much the company can remove from the river’s underground sources – a process called abstraction. It also governs how much it should pump into the river at times of low flow – a process known as augmentation.

Campaign group Friends of the Ems (FOTE) was formed in August last year to highlight the need to improve flow in the river - a rare chalk stream that supports threatened wildlife. It flows from the Downs, through Westbourne and Emsworth, and into Chichester Harbour.

In September last year, a failure of Portsmouth Water’s augmentation system left large sections of the river dry, with fish stranded and dying.   FOTE believes the licence is totally inappropriate for the Ems, which has such a variable flow. In February, when the river is usually at its peak, there can be 700 times as much water flowing as in a typical September. But the company's licence allows it to remove the same amount of water every day of the year.  Now, in a meeting with FOTE, the EA has said it wants to review the licence in two phases – the first looking at better augmentation and the second looking at longer-term changes to make the licence more sustainable. However, the agency has warned that the work depends on resources being available.

Simon Moody, area director for the agency, said he would like to see better augmentation in place before next summer, when the river is at greatest risk.

A FOTE spokesperson said: “This is a very encouraging pledge from the EA. We are still cautious and will wait and see what actually happens. But after only a year of campaigning for our beautiful river, which is on a cliff edge, this is a major piece of good news.

“Local people have joined us in our fight for the Ems, as have our local councillors and MP, and it seems our voices are being heard.

“It is still important to remember that while water flow is crucial – otherwise there would be no river – we also need improvements to the Ems as a wildlife habitat and to the quality of the water.”

Portsmouth Water says it is looking at sustainability and to make changes, but has a primary legal responsibility to supply water.

  This month it ran an experiment over a few days, with the help of FOTE, to see what happens to the river when the amount of water it abstracts is reduced (while ensuring customers’ supply).

FOTE is part of Greening Westbourne, an environmental campaign based in the village. Greening Westbourne has been supporting a proposal by Chichester District Council to make the area along the Ems a designated “wildlife corridor” because of its environmental importance.  Local people who want to join FOTE can get involved by signing up as supporters. They should email greeningwestbourne@hotmail.co.uk

For more information search Greening Westbourne Campaign online.

17th Septenber

Classic luxury watch brand Zero West Watches open Emsworth studio - a haven of historically poignant engineering treasures, design influences and luxuriously finished display watches

EVERYONE needs a place to call home – and for Zero West Watches, its new home is steeped in engineering history.

The business, set up by Graham Collins and Andrew Brabyn, has opened its new studio along the scenic banks of the Slipper Mill Pond in Emsworth.  It’s not some vast atelier in the Jura mountains or swanky mahogany-clad boutique along Bond Street.  It is not a factory with hundreds of watchmaking benches, or a storefront with little behind it.

The converted boathouse studio is, to all intents and purposes, Zero West.  Co-founders Graham and Andrew said they appreciate every customer who comes to visit and they have endeavoured to make the Studio as welcoming and comfortable as possible.

Graham said: ‘When you pay us a visit you can enjoy a good old British brew or a Zero West cocktail and hear the stories behind each one of our limited edition watches.=

‘For the mechanically minded the studio is a haven of historically poignant engineering treasures, design influences and luxuriously finished display watches.’

Graham and Andrew have a lifetime of military engineering and graphic design expertise and they both love all things historical and mechanical  Andrew said they have been busy acquiring cool combination of pistons, pipes and metal, working or otherwise, including a custom, British-built motorbike courtesy of Foundry Motorcycles and a salvaged Mk IX Spitfire Merlin engine doubling up as a table.

He said: ‘These are more than just window dressing. They are the kinds of items from which Zero West draw inspiration.’

Zero West’s current collection of watches, defining great moments of land, sea and air, are on display, along with black and white photos and objects from the particular piece of mechanical history that directly inspired it.

The Studio is a working studio where they design the watches, create the website and marketing campaigns, build the prototypes, make the leather straps and carry out final meticulous checks, before each limited edition timepiece is shipped to one of their worldwide customers.  In short, this Old Boathouse in Emsworth isn’t just where they’ve registered their name. It’s the shipping depot, R&D lab, customer service centre and design studio. It’s where Graham and Andrew love to be. It’s their home and the petrol-pumping heart of Zero West Watches.

For more call (0)1243 376 676 or email time@zerowest.co.uk, Go to zerowest.watch/

The News 15^th September 2021

11th September

Emsworth Arts Trail offers art discoveries over two September weekends

Emsworth Arts Trail founder Marian Forster is delighted to rejoin the trail as it resumes after the lockdowns.

Rather than its usual spring slot, the trail will run is running this weekend and next on September 11-12 and 18-19. In all, 95 artists will be taking part in venues across the town in a celebration of Emsworth’s vibrant and diverse art scene,

Last year, inevitably, was a blank with the trail unable to go ahead. It was a year Marian was intending to sit out anyway, little suspecting that everyone would be sitting it out as well, But now she is back. Marian will offer painting and printmaking at 32 Kings Road, Emsworth, PO10 7HN from 10am-6pm on each of the trail’s four days. Birds, from penguins seen whilst in Antarctica to local harbour birds, are this year’s recurring theme, Marian says.

The Emsworth Arts Trail began in 2001, with just ten artists exhibiting in their home studios.  Over the last 20 years visitor numbers have grown and grown, with art lovers arriving from far and wide. The 2019 event saw 99,000 individual visits recorded over the two weekends.

“What happened back at the time,” Marian says, “is that Havant had a very good arts development officer. She instigated nine days in May, bringing together art and dance and music and so on.
“I thought it might be a good idea to develop an arts trail because there are so many artists in Emsworth. She got back to me immediately and thought it was a good idea and so we had the first one. It was just the one day. I think it was a Saturday, and it was just the ten artists. I think 20 artists had work in the community centre, and shops and businesses had works as well. And we had a gazebo in the square, handing out trail guides. It was all very well received, and I think everybody was surprised that it did so well.
“The council organised it for quite a few years and then the arts development officer changed and it was all pushed from pillar to post in the following years until they ran out of funds. And so we took it over, I think, in 2011.”

The reason it works so well, Marian believes, is because it is all within Emsworth: “You don’t have to travel by car. People can just cycle or walk to the next venue. It is easy. And also, Emsworth is a beautiful location.  For the visitors, it can be so much less intimidating walking into an artist’s studio than it is walking into a gallery. The public likes to see the studios and the artists like to chat and meet art-lovers. It all works perfectly... except that this year it comes with the challenge of negotiating a different time of year.”

Whether they go back to April/May next year is something the artists will discuss: “We will ask the artists their opinion. The big problem is that we have the Emsworth Artists’ big exhibition in the summer, usually over the August Bank Holiday, and so this is a bit close to that. It is a bit near the trail. But, September could be good. We are nearer to Christmas so people could be thinking about Christmas presents. We will have to see...”

The printed trail guide is available in shops around Emsworth and includes a map so you can plan your visit. There is a wide variety of work on show – painting, printmaking, photography, textile art, wood, ceramics, jewellery, glasswork, sculpture and new for this year, a blacksmith. See emsworthartstrail.org.uk.

The Chichester Observer 10^th September 2021

31st August

‘Wonderful’ to see return of Emsworth Show says councillor as visitors enjoy dog show, food stalls, and entertainment at New Life Christian Church site

HUNDREDS of visitors spent their Bank Holiday Monday enjoying the Emsworth Show.

Live music played at the grounds outside New Life Christian Church as guests watched pooches perform at the Homestead Dog Agility Show.  There were also classic cars, food trucks, charity stalls, and craftspeople selling a range of goods from hair bows to bird boxes.

 Cllr Richard Stone, the showground manager, said: 'I'm delighted to be here and very delighted to have the opportunity to come and support a great local event.'

Back by popular demand was The Quack Pack, a Welsh gaggle of geese who were herded by sheepdogs.

Cllr Jackie Branson, who attended with her family, was volunteering on the show gates.  She said: 'It's absolutely great, wonderful to see it back. I was supposed to do it two years ago but I did my knee in.  So many people are supporting us this year, I'm so glad to see it so well supported.’

'Faith Ponsonby (chair of the Emsworth Show Committee) has done an amazing job, and it was a real team effort.'

Swathes of visitors arrived at 11am, while organisers managed huge numbers of cars travelling down the access road to get to the showground.

 Cllr Branson added: ‘I couldn't see the end of the queue of people coming in.’

Clare Jury, show information manager, said: ‘We've had an issue with cars parked on the road in - but we're so grateful for the homeowners who moved their cars. Lots of families sat on the grass, enjoyed food from the stalls, or queued up for the giant bouncy slide and children's carousel.’

Clare added: ‘It’s been absolutely fantastic.  This is only the second year we've held it here - the New Life church has really welcomed us.  The stalls, the people have all been wonderful. I love the buzz, everyone is having a good time.’

Havant Lions hosted a bottle stall, which is expected to raise around £1,500 for charity.  Member Eamon McGuinness said: 'We've got a thousand bottles here today.  The Emsworth Show is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.'

Morris dancers Paul Lea and Tim Magilton were part of a group which performed twice.  Paul said: ‘It’s been really good, although a bit difficult with the traffic.’

The News 30th August 2021

28th August

Save Long Copse Lane campaigners concerned as Havant Borough Council registers planning application for the Emsworth site

Emsworth residents are concerned about a planning application which could mean hundreds of  Members of the Save Long Copse Lane Campaign are expressing concerns about 260 houses proposed for the north side of the lane as Havant Borough Council registers a planning application for the area.

Campaigner Andrew Hunnibal said: "It seems perverse to allow development in Long Copse Lane which has the furthest distances from schools and medical services within Emsworth yet the strategic site is half the distance.  In addition, it means incurring the cost of ineffective widening for Long Copse Lane making it more dangerous for everyone.  Hiding behind the argument that the priority is housing numbers at all costs when alternative solutions exist but need a little more effort to realise, is failing our future generations."

Havant Borough Council acknowledges it is in receipt of an application relating to this site, which is in the process of being registered.

A spokesperson said: "Once all the relevant documentation has been received the application will be publicised in accordance with the statutory requirements for an application of this type.  The Land North of Long Copse Lane is one of the sites identified for development in the council’s emerging Local Plan, which is currently at Examination stage with the Planning Inspectorate.  As part of assessing the application, consideration will be given to infrastructure requirements, traffic and access issues, as well as many other planning considerations and the contribution the site will make to the borough’s housing needs."

The Save Long Copse Lane Campaign argues that developing the site is not only undesirable but is contrary to the principles of sustainability implied in the national planning policy.  Highlighting environmental concerns, Andrew added: ‘Extra measures, which may or may not work, are needed to protect the existence of the variety of rare bats such as the largest recorded colony of Bechstein bats in the UK and no-one knows how much disruption there will be to wildlife corridors and foraging fields.  Building in the Long Copse Lane will add to the concerns on pollution of Chichester Harbour.’

The News 28th August3021

26th August

 New Skills & Employment Hub brings opportunities to Havant

 Community First launched Havant Skills & Employment Hub thanks to funding support from the Solent Supporting Employment Programme, a project managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation and part-funded by the European Social Fund.

 For further information, please contact positivepathways@cfirst.org.uk or call 02393 873808.

15th August

Organisers promise a ‘fun and fabulous’ event as Emsworth Show makes its return this month

EMSWORTH Show is set to make its grand return this bank holiday.

The annual summer event will take place on Monday, August 30, and includes a dog show, a food and drink field, and the traditional horticultural marquee, which will display fruit, vegetables, and flowers, as well as crafts and photography exhibits.

New for 2021 is a scarecrow competition for Emsworth children to make a gardening-themed scarecrow using recycled materials, and display it outside their home prior to judging on August 25th.

Faith Ponsonby, chairperson and volunteers’ manager said:

‘For me, the great joy of the return of the show, this year, will be the pleasure of seeing in person my many friends locally after all the lockdowns. I am really looking forward to seeing you all there."

Helen Collis-Ayoubi, publicity manager for the show, said:

"It is so great to welcome back the 2021 show, after such a challenging 17 months. We are most grateful to the New Life Christian Church, who for the second year are welcoming us back to their spacious grounds.  As ever, the star of the show is the horticultural marquee with over 250 classes and for the very first time this year we are hosting a fun scarecrow competition for the local children to enter and display their scarecrow by their home during this month.  Many visitors return year after year to experience our enthralling line up of arena events, like the dog show, and the Quack Pack, back from Wales by popular demand, as well as the variety of stalls, fun things for the family to do, entertainment and refreshments throughout the day. We are committed to making this a fun and Covid safe event for everyone and have put in place special measures including early bird tickets and staggered times for entry, face masks, social distancing, cleanliness in all areas, and a robust track and trace system  Finally, this show could not happen without our fabulous team of over 150 volunteers, who help make this 'best little show in the south' a fun and fabulous event for everyone!"

The News 15th August 2021

7th August

The Unquiet Grave at The Spring next Friday and Saturday

THE UNQUIET GRAVE is a delightful new play – a ghost story told with intriguing dialogue and half-a-dozen English folk songs, both haunting and hilarious. The action takes place in deep woodland where Lydia Peck – a well-known folk singer – comes to remember. Unexpectedly, her daughter is also there …

THE UNQUIET GRAVE is performed by an incredible team. First of all, Michaela Bennison – an exceptional actor-singer who gave a sold-out performance at The Spring as Honey Grey in LADY OF JAZZ.

Alongside is the incredible Jane Pegler. Many will have seen her incredible virtuoso as Deirdre Compton in SHAKESPEARE’S LOST WOMEN. A wonderful actor, she is also a blue ribband vocal coach with many of her graduates working full time in the West End.

In SHAKESPEARE’S LOST WOMEN, Jane was accompanied on stage by the exceptional guitar skills of John Gleadall – surely no one has done more for the local music scene than he has? John created the beautiful new arrangements of the old-English folk songs in THE UNQUIET GRAVE.

In performance, Michaela, Jane and John will be supported by the immense talent of Tony Pegler, our keyboard maestro. He played the on-stage pianist in LADY OF JAZZ and has devised some extraordinarily haunting and foot-tapping accompaniments of ‘The Suffolk Miracle’, ‘The Fellow that Played the Trombone’, ‘He Moved through the Fair’ and more.

The story is mine – but it only exists because of the power of the folk songs I’ve woven into it. I can’t tell you what happens, because that will spoil the mystery, but – like folk music itself – the show veers between heartache and laughter, delicious harmonies and music-hall humour.

Both performances at The Spring will be followed by a delightful and revealing post-show discussion led by Kate Mosse.

Fri 13 & Sat 14 August, 7:30 pm
The Spring, PO9 1BS
Tickets: www.thespring.co.uk T.023 9247 2700

7th Sugust

Nellie the fish swims back to Hayling shores

A six-metre fish has returned to Hayling Island to collected plastic bottles and metal cans.

During her visit, Nellie the Fish will assist in tackling beach litter and highlight the amount of single use waste. She will also be focusing on when plastic waste reaches our oceans.

3rd August

The Positive Pathways volunteering team visits Tuppenny Barn!

On Tuesday 27^th July, the Positive Pathways supported volunteering team made their way to Tuppenny Barn in Southbourne. Tuppenny Barn is an educational centre and registered charity that campaigns for healthy, sustainable food, farming and land use. The team last visited the centre in October 2019, so we were very keen to return!  

Despite the gloomy clouds and less than ideal weather forecast, the volunteers got to work and were upbeat and cheerful. The team worked well together to achieve the tasks of the day; which included soft fruit picking, some weeding and path laying using wood chips. 

Cath Bryant, Tuppenny Barn Centre Manager said, “We're pleased that the team enjoyed their few hours here. We were really lucky to avoid the rain! There were 5.5kg of black currants and raspberries picked which will be made into vinegars, jams or chutneys. Some weeding was undertaken by a few and paths were laid with woodchip, a great team effort.”

Thank you to the team at Tuppenny Barn for hosting our volunteers and providing delicious refreshments throughout the day – it was said that the plum crumble cake was ‘out of this world’! We very much look forward to being able to return very soon.

Positive Pathways is a Community First supported volunteering project that helps people with a wide range of barriers to volunteer as part of a team, helping to build confidence, provide a range of volunteering opportunities to build skills, offer training for personal development and social opportunities to reduce isolation, build communication skills and help people progress towards their goals.

For more information about the Positive Pathways programme, you can email us on positivepathways@cfirst.org.uk or visit our Facebook page on www.facebook.com/CFPositivePathways. For information about Employee Volunteering or queries regarding volunteering, please contact Community First on 0300 500 8085 or email positivepathways@cfirst.org.uk

30th July

Learning about our Solent coastline – one fun event at a time

Working in close partnership over several years, Bird Aware Solent and the Final Straw Foundation have been educating young people about our coastal wildlife and inspiring them to help reduce plastic pollution of our shorelines. Recent events in Emsworth - and a forthcoming event on the shores of Hayling Island - provide fun ways for children to learn about and enjoy our coastal environment.

Bird Aware Solent's aim is to raise awareness of the many birds reliant on the Solent coastline for survival, and to help people enjoy the coastline without disturbing them. The Final Straw Foundation works with local communities and businesses to highlight the impact of plastic pollution on our environment, working to minimise the amount of plastic entering the sea. From providing fun games on birds’ beaks and what they eat, to making shopping bags from old t-shirts to recycle fast fashion, both organisations have worked hard together to inform, educate and engage with the public.

On Saturday 14 August between noon and 4pm, both will be in attendance at the Marine Funday, a free event behind held behind the Tourist Information Centre on Hayling Island. Bird Aware Solent will be running fun activities helping people identify the many birds along our shoreline. The Final Straw Foundation will be running litter picks with a twist - a special device called a trommel will be on site, so visitors can find and remove unwanted micro-plastics from the environment.

"I'm proud to see another example of Bird Aware Solent's excellent partnership work." said Councillor Seán Woodward, Chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH), the organisation that oversees Bird Aware Solent. "Through acknowledging the many pressures on our precious environment, and doing so collaboratively, we can help educate and inspire future generations to cherish our magnificent Solent shoreline."

Bianca Jayne-Carr, founder and director of the Final Straw Foundation stated “It’s an absolute honour to continue working with Bird Aware. We have spent the past few years working towards benefiting our wildlife and greater environment together and we love all they have taught us in relation to what we do and the fabulous birds around our coasts. It’s invaluable having them there to educate us and assist us with our mission of highlighting the issues of plastic pollution. We’re excited by future link ups.”

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

For more information on the Final Straw Foundation, visit www.finalstrawfoundation.org .

Havant Borough Council 29^th July 3021

25th July

Live music festival set to bring a ‘real potpourri of music and entertainment’ to Emsworth as WemsFest returns this September

A LIVE music, comedy and drama festival promising an ‘interesting and eclectic’ line-up is set to make a return to Emsworth this autumn.

WemsFest will kick off with the fifth annual Emsworth Beer, Cider and Wine Festival from September 24 to 25.  This will launch a season of events, with musical performances being booked as far ahead as next July.

Mark Ringwood-Millington, WemsFest artistic director, founded the festival 10 years ago. The Emsworth resident said: "You've got everything from Eddi Reader, who has sold out, to newer artists.  The most exciting thing is to be bringing audiences something new. We had to reschedule and reschedule the events, but it’s given us time to reevaluate how we do things.  It's an excitable little animal that we’ve got going here - interesting and eclectic. It's a very varied and different programme - we've got folk and blues, jazz and reggae, comedy, old country, folk rock. A real potpourri of music and entertainment."

The Beer, Cider and Wine Festival will have at least 25 cask-conditioned ales from both local brews and national award winners, along with a range of excellent ciders  Emsworth's independent wine merchants, Bush Vines, Portal, Dingwall and Norris, and Vin, will be providing a range of wines by the glass.

Artists set to perform during WemsFest include Maroon Town, Grupo Lokito, The Tannahill Weavers, Skerryvore, Fairport Convention, and The Unthanks, with many more ready to take the stage every month from October to July.

WemsFest will have several new venues, and will also introduce an 'Emerging Artists' series in 2022 in the function room at Emsworth’s The Crown Hotel.  Previously purchased tickets will be honoured, and festival organisers thank supporters for their understanding and loyalty.

Mark added: "It's exciting and a challenge - we don't know what's ahead of us.  We could be facing another lockdown, or audiences being reluctant to go out, but it's a challenge that we're happy to meet."

The WemsFest team has staged more than 500 events since its inception in The Stag’s Head in Westbourne in January 2011. More events will be confirmed at a later date. Visit wemsfest.com for more information and for the full list of dates.

The News 25th July 2021

21st July

 21st July

Thorny Island Community Primary SchoolSchool Hall Extension

First they demolished the south facing wall of the old hall and the PE store. The children loved watching the machines at work. Then the cranes and big lorries started to arrive to put up the steel framework. The children are all very excited and so are the staff.

The project is being funded by WSCC and the works carried out by Buxtons Builders and project managed by Faithful and Gould. The estimated cost is £840,000. This will provide a much needed link corridor and a state of the art sports hall.

Thorney Island Community Primary School serves Thorney Island and the surrounding community. At present, both 16th and 12th Regiment Royal Artillery are based on Thorney Island but many children also come from the local community of both Southbourne and Emsworth. The school continues to be rated Good by Ofsted and has more than doubled in size over the past few years due to its popularity and unique location.

The EMS  Summer 2021

17th July

Emsworth Surgery will be moving next weekend.

The Surgery will be closing at lunchtime on Friday 23rd July and the new surgery will open Monday 26th July at 8am.  Rea the letter from the GP Partners HERE

15th July

Emsworth Men’s Shed – Start Up Event Monday 19th July at 11 am

We are thrilled that the preparation for Emsworth’s Men’s Shed is almost complete. You can see from the image that we’ve been busy getting the sheds watertight and ready. This group will be a ‘self help’ group and it will be your Men’s Shed. Men’s Sheds is an international organisation (not just for men) that provides a space for users to make and mend things and have a mug of tea and share time, knowledge and experience in an informal way. To find out more about the ethos of Men’s Sheds and how it can make a big difference in local communities Watch this Video

We are having a launch event on Monday 19th July, so if you would like to hear more and get involved, or you have any tools you’d like to donate, please email mensshed@emsworthcommunitycentre.org.uk or just turn up on Monday 19th July at 11 am for the start of what we hope will be an exciting new chapter for the Community Centre.

Emsworth Community Centre 15th July 2021

 15th July

Good turnout on open day about YMCA Nursery, Youth and Community centre

On Saturday July 10 many attended the open display where the YMCA Emsworth building is planned as a nursery, youth and community centre north of Emsworth by Redland Grange. Local Councillors Richard Kennett and Lulu Bowerman, as well as Cllr Tim Pike came along and at least 60 other people who wanted to know more about the plans.

All were invited to add comments and it was also possible to express an opinion on which of two possible layouts of the site was preferred.  There was a mixture of views from those strongly in favour of the plan and others who were firmly against it.  All the comments and feedback expressed will be collected, collated and later added to the website hwww.ymca-fg.org/emsworth

ECLT is working with the YMCA and many local community groups in assisting YMCA’s lead on this project. YMCA is committed to putting £1 million into the development fund for the building and has already successfully successfully applied for £200,000 from HBC’s CIL fund to be earmarked for this work. We will be working together to raise the remaining funding from national and local grant-making bodies, as well as inviting the local community to help ensure that we have a high-quality facility for the whole community.

Emsworth Community Land |Trust 14th July 2021

14th July

Emsworth Neighbourhood Forum - Over 90% of Emsworth Voters Said ‘Yes’ to last weeks Referendum!

91% of Emsworth voters said ‘yes’ in Thursday’s referendumon the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan.  

‘I am absolutely delighted’ said Stephanie Elsy, Chair of the Emsworth Neighbourhood Forum, who put the Plan together. ‘The turnout was amazing and the overwhelming 91% support of Emsworth voters for the Neighbourhood Plan was humbling and way beyond what we expected. It was one of the best referendum results in the country and we are over the moon! So many volunteers in the town have worked so hard to produce the Plan – it makes it all worthwhile. I would like to thank the Forum Committee, all our volunteers and everyone who came out and voted ‘yes’ on Thursday. It shows yet again how much people in Emsworth care about the town and its future. This is our Neighbourhood Plan and we have had our say.’

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan has had strong support from the Emsworth Residents Association (ERA), the Emsworth Business Association (EBA), the Emsworth Community Association (ECA), the Emsworth Community Land Trust (ECLT) and Emsworth ward Councillors. 

Theo Schofield, Chair of the ERA said ‘The ERA has supported the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan from the beginning because, as the town develops and grows, we mustkeep Emsworth special. All the ideas for projects it contains came from local people and will make Emsworth even better. We are delighted that so many people have voted for the Plan.’

Dwynwen Stepien, Chair of ECLT added: ‘Having the Neighbourhood Plan will help us to access grants and support that we need to deliver more affordable homes in Emsworth.This is a great result for Emsworth’

Emsworth Councillor and Chair of the EBA, Lulu Bowerman agreed saying: ‘The Neighbourhood Plan will help businesses in Emsworth to attract and retain visitors, employees and investors. Thursdays result will help to protect the future of Emsworth businesses.’

The Plan will

• Protect green spaces like the Ems Valley corridor that are so valued by local people and important to our environment and well-being.
• Encourage more affordable homes for all developments over 10 units so that there will be more affordable housing for local young people.
• Protect and improve design of new developments that will protect Emsworth’s unique character. 
• Protect sites like the Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital for health or community use. 
• Improve traffic flow and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the town 

If you would like to find out more or help with implementing the Plan, please contact our Chair, Stephanie Elsy via  stephanie@stephelsy.net or 07919100516. 

You can read the Plan on the HBC website here https://www.havant.gov.uk/emsworth-neighbourhood-planning. 

1903 people voted in the election, 1734 voted yes, 168 voted no and 2 votes were spoiled. Turnout was 23%.

Emsworth is now the only part of Havant to have a Neighbourhood Plan.

13th July

Library Move Proposed Opening of Tuesday 24th August

Emsworth Library will be moving premises into Emsworth Community Centre with a planned opening date of Tuesday 24 August.

This is an exciting move as it ensures Emsworth has access to a library, and that it relocates back to the Community Centre. For those that remember, the Library used to operate out of a temporary building in our car park before it relocated into their current building, so it is literally coming home!

The Library will be making use of the old entrance off Church Path, as well as our main entrance. It will be situated in the carpeted area at the far end of the Assembly Rooms. They also look forward to reaching out to the wider community, especially for children, as they will now have the space to expand for special events.

Emsworth Community Centre

12th July

HAYLING SEWAGE WATCH RESPONDS TO £90 MILLION CRIMINAL FINE FOR SOUTHERN WATER FOR DELIBERATELY POLLUTING RIVERS AND COASTAL WATERS

9th July 2021 - Southern Water was given a fine of £90 million by Canterbury Crown Court having pleaded guilty to deliberately dumping poisonous, noxious substances including raw sewage into rivers and coastal waters in tourist locations.

The charges were brought by the Environment Agency as part of a criminal investigation. The company admitted 51 charges of breaching pollution laws between 2010 and 2015. Each charge covered months of discharges into rivers and coastal waters from 17 different plants. 

In 2019 Southern Water was fined £3 million and forced to rebate customers £123 million by industry regulator Ofwat for the spillages. This was the largest fine Ofwat has ever imposed and was in response to “shocking” failures that polluted rivers and beaches in southern England.

Another investigation is ongoing by the Environment Agency into discharges by Southern Water after 2015.

Commenting on the fine, Mike Owens, Hayling Sewage Watch, spokesperson, says:

“Southern Water has clearly failed to protect the waters of Langstone and Chichester harbours. The regulators and the legal process has taken far too long to resolve this problem. But it is also unacceptable that Southern Water has continued to pollute – either legally or illegally – since 2015. What we have to be concerned about is the stuff you can’t see - forever chemicals, viruses and bacteria – that’s what does the damage.

“What we desperately need is significant and rapid investment in infrastructure to ensure that Southern Water is able to safely process all of the waste that our growing population and growing number of storms produces. At the moment we are just playing around with the symptoms of pollution not dealing with the root causes.

“Sadly, the largest of fines cannot fix the damage that Southern Water causes to Chichester and Langstone Harbours. Natural England recently reported that the area has been in decline for 40 years.”

9th July

Results announced for the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan referendum

A referendum for Emsworth residents was held on Thursday 8 July, where 91 per cent of votes cast supported the implementation of the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan.

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan sets out a vision for the area up to 2036 and is supported by a set of planning polices and a series of specific projects. Prepared through extensive public consultation, it reflects identified local needs in Emsworth while also having regard for the forthcoming Havant Borough Council Local Plan.

The turnout was as follows:

Number cast in favour of a Yes - 1,734  (91%)

Number cast in favour of a No -  168 (9%)

Number of ballot papers rejected - 1

Turnout - 1,903 (23%)

For more information on the plan and referendum results, visit www.havant.gov.uk/emsworth-neighbourhood-plan-referendum.

Havant Borough Council

7th July

Bourne Community College in Southbourne to receives prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award

Bourne Community College in Southbourne is to be awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.

 UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life. There are over 500 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales that have received Gold.
 
The school has been working with UNICEF UK since spring 2013. They received their Gold award in December 2017 first time around, and have been working hard to maintain this level ever since. Bourne Community College will be reaccredited with their Gold award and certificate, and will be marking this achievement as a whole school. This will be awarded and celebrated by all students and staff at the school on Thursday 22nd July 2021.
 
Headteacher of Bourne Community College, Mrs Yvonne Watkins said: “Bourne Community College is extremely proud to have received our Gold Award from UNICEF UK. This is an amazing achievement, and we were delighted to have our status reaccredited for another three years. The assessors were extremely impressed and thanked the children, the Senior Leadership Team, and staff for their warm welcome to the school and for the detailed evidence provided to support the process. Prior to the accreditation visit, the school had to complete a comprehensive School Evaluation: Gold form and we were told we “provided an excellent collection of evidence and it was evident that children’s rights are embedded across the school and underpin every facet of school life”  
We were very proud of our strengths, which show that: 
 • Rights are explicitly linked to all areas of the school’s work – 
• Student voice is valued highly and our ‘student movement’ gives many opportunities for all young people to put their suggestions forward and for these to be acted upon.  
• A caring and inclusive ethos where staff and students ensure that everyone, particularly those with learning differences or a disability, feel supported and fully involved in school life. 
The whole school will celebrate this great achievement in the last week of term and start the new academic year focusing on our next steps to consolidate and continue to embed our strong RRSA ethos.”
 
The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice.  A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted. UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Programme Director, Frances Bestley, said: “It is evident that children’s rights are embedded across the school and underpin every facet of school life”.
 
The UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting. This year the programme has received additional support from The People’s Postcode Lottery. This vital funding is helping UNICEF UK continue its work with over 4500 primary schools, secondary schools, schools for children and young people with special educational needs and pupil referral units across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Schools have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships and well-being by enhancing pupil’s self-esteem, leading to less truancy and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.

https://www.bourne.org.uk

2nd July 

 Emsworth residents can have their say as proposals for a new YMCA early years, youth and community centre at Redlands Grange are put forward

PROPOSALS for a new centre providing childcare, youth provision, and a social venue for the Emsworth community are being put to residents.

A new YMCA Emsworth early years, youth and community centre could be built at the entrance to Redlands Grange estate. Centre project leaders are asking residents to have their say on the plans at a drop in session this month.

Emsworth councillor Richard Kennett, who lives on the estate, is on the project group. He said: ‘I’m supportive because I think there’s a great opportunity for new facilities for all ages in our community.  There’s not many facilities in the north of Emsworth but I’m also aware that some residents have some concerns, and we’re doing our best to address that.  ‘I think it’s a great idea as there are few facilities for teenagers in Emsworth, and a shortage of early years provision.’

The early years centre would offer full day childcare for children aged five and below Young people would also have a dedicated indoor space to come together, access support, and build friendships.  An outside multi-use games area would also be built for young people to play sports.  There would also be an atrium area which would serve as a multipurpose space for people of all ages to enjoy social time and foster new skills and hobbies.

Sally Arscott is the development director at the YMCA Fairthorne Group, which covers Hampshire. She said: ‘What’s really clear is that the growing number of housebuilding in Emsworth means there’s insufficient childcare. Parents are having to travel some distance to get childcare.

‘There’s virtually nothing for young people in Emsworth, and this would be a dedicated space for young people for support and friendship.
‘It will also provide a community venue for the wider community, adults and retired people, to meet for a coffee with a friend. It serves the whole community.’

Residents are invited to come and have their say about the proposed YMCA Emsworth Centre at a drop in session on Saturday, July 10, anytime from 11am to 2.30pm. Meeting on the field at Redlands Grange where the centre would be, people will be able to meet the project team, review the latest designs, and share their thoughts.

Sally added: ‘Come along and give us your views - this is about building stronger communities, where people can meet their neighbours and feel a sense of connection. We’ll display the plans we’ve got so far, and gather feedback from local people and take stock so we can decide where we go from here.’

The proposals for the centre have been developed with input from Havant Borough Council, the YMCA, and Emsworth community organisations.  A feasibility study is currently underway to determine the building design and gather feedback from the community, and a planning application would be put forward later this year.  The centre would be financed jointly between the council and the YMCA, but substantial additional fundraising would need to take place.  The earliest date a centre would be available is spring 2023.

Comments can also be sent to  emsworth@ymca-fg.org.

The News July 2021

1st July

A classic way to get kids fishing and outdoors  Northney Marina on the 24th and 25th July

Getting youngsters back into nature and enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of the great outdoors is more important than ever after a year of lockdowns.

Alongside the launch of the biggest sea fishing competition the industry has ever seen, the Sea Angling Classic will also be delivering fishing tuition for youngsters and encouraging all to enjoy what nature has to offer – all in Emsworth are invited! The unique initiative running this summer will see children catching their first fish in a safe and secure environment, learning about species and conservation and, most importantly, having fun in the fresh air.  Students in local schools as well as having been invited to all the family shore activities are currently participating in a poster design competition depicting fishing and a shoreline clean-up. Winners will have the chance to attend the launch reception televised by BT sports as VIP guests with a trip out on the water!

Fishing delivers so many life skills for young people – from motor skills in the youngest participants to increased concentration, an enhanced work ethic plus a respect for their surroundings that is essential to the preservation of the environment in the future. Spending time outdoors relieves anxiety and stress levels, reduces the negative impact technology blue light can have and helps them talk one-to-one without the aid of mobile devices or other technology.

Getting youngsters fishing is just of the many pioneering facets of the Sea Angling Classic, which launches on the south coast of England from July 23rd to 25th – it will also be delivering vital scientific research and studies, environmental benefits like beach clean-ups and education and a huge appreciation of wildlife habitats. In addition, like all other Angling Spirit competitions, the Sea Angling Classic promotes best practice catch and release angling.

All – regardless of age – are invited to Northney Marina on the 24^th and 25^th for an exciting catch and release crabbing competition followed by a shoreline clean up following the ethos of angling in a responsible manner with the shoreline clean up on the 25^th held at Emsworth marina. It is a great way to show you dedication in actively participating and engage with the local. As part of the Sea Angling Classic weekend the Angling Trust will be running boat angling trips and onshore sessions with qualified coaches. For more experienced anglers the National Mullet Club will also be running a masterclass! Whilst all activities are free some are running on a first-come-first-serve basis so visit the Sea Angling Classic website following through to Family Shore Activities for more details.

Angling Spirit and Sea Angling Classic founder Ross Honey said: "A core part of establishing the Sea Angling Classic is to create a structure that enables the engagement of children of all ages to understand the importance of respect for the environment ashore and on the water, be it making sure that rubbish and litter is discarded appropriately or understanding the importance of sea grass and the saltwater marshes in and around our harbours. There is so much to enjoy in the great outdoors. We are delighted that these initiatives we have created have been so well received by the schools and colleges already involving over 10,000 pupils. I am confident that this will increase to over 50,000 by the time we run the Inaugural event in July 2022. It is really exciting, and we look forward to seeing everyone at this"

Read more HERE

24th June

Now is the time for action’ as key players

attend Chichester Harbour summit

A Chichester Harbour summit attended by key organisations has heard about the need for immediate action to halt the ongoing ecological decline.

The environmental welfare of the harbour, the inadequacy of sewerage infrastructure and the scale of proposed housebuilding in the district have all been raised repeatedly with decision makers over the past few years and recently the Chichester Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest was downgraded by Natural England to ‘unfavourable declining’ condition.

Last week a meeting, hosted by the Chichester Harbour Trust at Bosham Sailing Club, was held with the major organisations involved to discuss the challenges facing the harbour.  In attendance were senior representatives from Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the chairman and CEO of Ofwat and Southern Water respectively, the chair and regional director of the Environment Agency, two senior directors from Natural England, both the leader and chief executive of Chichester District Council and a representative from MP Gillian Keegan’s office.  The meeting was chaired by Jonson Cox, chair of regulator Ofwat.

After a short walk along the shoreline to view the impact of the explosion of algal growth smothering mudflats, a socially distanced meeting enabled all parties to share their views and commitment to protect Chichester Harbour.

Mr Cox urged all agencies and local government to work together in order to address the impacts of water quality, compounded by climate change and new development on the ecology of this unique area. There was unanimous agreement that the issues facing the harbour are now immediate and require short term action as well as long term investment particularly to address deteriorating water quality.

John Nelson, chairman of the Chichester Harbour Trust, said after the meeting; “We were extremely grateful to Ofwat for facilitating this meeting and for the preparedness of such senior representatives of the key organisations to participate. There was a real sense of the need for action. It now requires strong leadership from local government and government agencies to put the measures in place.”

He added: “I cannot stress enough the immediacy of the ecological decline we are witnessing so clearly and the need for urgent short-term measures to save the harbour.

Chichester Observer Tuesday, 22nd June 2021

22nd June

Little Troopers at School: Emsworth military children take part in charity workshop 

Military children from St James' C of E Primary School in Emsworth took part in a free virtual workshop run by the charity Little Troopers this week.  As part of a nationwide virtual roadshow being delivered by the charity throughout June, children who have parents currently serving in the British Armed Forces logged in together to explore some the unique challenges they might experience such as having a parent deployed overseas and regularly having to move home and school.  All of the workshop activities were from the charity’s dedicated Little Troopers at School programme, which was created by education experts to give all schools easily accessible resources to support military children in the classroom. 

Nikki Giles, Inclusion Manager for the school, commented: "It was clear how much thought and hard work had gone into creating this and considering of how it would work virtually.  It was really special for us to be able to provide our Service family pupils with a sense of community, after a very challenging year."

The children took part in storytelling, imaginative play, movement and drama and were shown tools that could help them navigate some of the challenges they might face as military children, either now or in the future. The workshops were funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund and offered schools a snapshot of some of the resources available in the Little Troopers Primary School Resource Pack and Military Child Wellbeing Course. 

Louise Fetigan, founder and operations manager at Little Troopers, comments: “There are tens of thousands of military children across the UK and the support they receive in school is very varied depending on where they live in the country and what school they go to. Our aim with the Little Troopers at School programme is to make it really easy for schools to have targeted resources they can use with their military children – whether that’s one or two military children or two hundred. We want to make sure that wherever children live and however many schools they go to, they can access support if they need it and that all schools have a good understanding of the unique challenges that military life can bring. 

“We had originally planned to run a physical roadshow last summer, but as with many things, the pandemic changed our plans. It’s actually turned out for the best as our virtual workshops have enabled us to reach far more military children than we could have seen in person and we hope that the children who have taken part will really benefit from the session, as well as having had lots of fun!” 

2021 marks ten years since Armed Forces veteran, Louise Fetigan, registered a charity to support children with parents serving in the British Armed Forces. As well as the charity’s school programme, Little Troopers also has a number of free resources that parents can use to support children at home including the Little Troopers Treasures story recording app for military parents to record themselves reading stories for their children to watch while they are away. For more information visit www.littletroopers.net  

 Kate Cashmore

PR & Media Little Troopers
pr@littletroopers.net

22nd June

Grass verge to become wildlife haven

A large grass verge in the village of Westbourne is to become a haven for wildlife, after local residents offered to help look after it.  The area is now being cared for by Greening Westbourne, a local environmental group, as part of a West Sussex County Council scheme.  The area will no longer be mown at frequent intervals. Instead, WSCC will cut it only once a year, in late summer. Greening Westbourne will help wild flowers to flourish by removing the cuttings. It also hopes to restore a hedge.

A strip along the roadside will still be cut as before, to preserve sight lines for drivers.  The area, on the corner of Whitechimney Row and Old Farm Lane, is now a 'community road verge' – part of a WSCC scheme to encourage wild flowers, pollinators such as bees and other wildlife. Greening Westbourne applied for the area to be included in the scheme, at the suggestion of Chichester District Council. The project also has the backing of Westbourne Parish Council.

Greening Westbourne chair Richard Hitchcock said: "The area will look different, but it isn't being neglected. It's being carefully managed for the benefit of wildlife, especially bees and other pollinators, many of which are in decline. In time we hope to see many beautiful wild flowers flourish.

"Manicured grass verges aren’t very useful to wildlife. But wilder areas can provide vital food, shelter and nesting areas. I'm sure residents will appreciate a more natural look, and the value it will have for the environment."

Cutting the grass late in the year means wild flowers can bloom for a longer period. By removing the cuttings, Greening Westbourne volunteers will be helping to ensure that the soil isn’t too fertile, enabling native wildflowers to thrive.  The verge is part of a 'wildlife corridor' proposed by Chichester District Council, which would help connect the South Downs National Park to the coast.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help maintain the area can contact greeningwestbourne@hotmail.co.uk or find Greening Westbourne Campaign on Facebook.

12th June

Havant Borough Council wins national award for planning and the environment

Havant Borough Council has received national acclaim, winning the natural environment category in the prestigious Planning Awards.

Announced in an online ceremony this afternoon, the council won the "Award for planning for the natural environment" for its visionary work with the Warblington Farm Nature reserve and its nutrient mitigation strategy.

Delivered in close partnership with Natural England and other partners including Bird Aware Solent and Solent LEP, the award was bestowed by an acclaimed judging panel representing the very best of the nation's expertise in planning, design and the environment.

The council's nutrient mitigation strategy was acknowledged as showing original thinking, swift action and true multi-disciplinary partnership. The judges recognised the strategy not only delivered a solution to the borough's planning needs, but also provided a genuine addition to the Solent's ecological landscape and - over time - a new asset for residents.

"I am delighted that Havant Borough Council has been nationally recognised for its pro-active approach to planning and the environment" said Councillor Alex Rennie, Leader of the council. "I am proud of the excellent work undertaken by the council's officers on this project, and the long-term, positive impact this will have on the borough's future prosperity".

For more information on the Planning Awards, visit www.planningawards.com. Find out further details on the council's approach to nutrient mitigation.

Havant Borough Council 10-05-2021

7th June

The new £3.5m GP surgery for Emsworth has been delayed by two months following the pandemic.

The redevelopment of the promi­nent former Victoria Cottage Hosspital site began in January 2020 and was due to be completed in April ready for opening in early May.

Despite Covid-19, construction work had been progressing during the national lockdown periods and although work slowed work on site, the project team has managed to keep delays to the project to a minimum.

But now the NHS has confirmed that the opening will now take place in July. Sara Tiller, managing direc­tor for NHS Hampshire, Southamp­ton and Isle of Wight Clinical Com­missioning Group, said: ‘We now expect the new Emsworth Surgery to be open to its patients in July.

‘Understandably, the Covid-19 pandemic has continued to affect the project, however, the most important thing is that we open a GP sur­gery that will offer patients the very best facilities – and we are very close to achieving that.’   Campaigners spent months trying to secure the former hospital site for the new surgery after the hospital building was put up for sale in July 2018.

It had been decommissioned and closed in April 2013, and campaign­ers managed to fight to secure the site for the new surgery.

Dr Abu Chinwala, a GP partner at Emsworth Surgery, said: ‘We have reached the home straight. It has been a long time in the making, and I cannot overstate how excited we all are at the practice to be so close to being able to provide services for our patients in a building we will be proud to call “home”

The scheme, funded by NHS England through an Estates, Technology and Transformation fund grant, has included demolishing single-storey outbuildings, providing a new rear single storey extension to the main building, installing a new lift shaft, reconfiguring rooms within the surgery and extensive internal and external decorations.

The Border Times June 2021

7th June

Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan  Local Referendum

After a delay of over a year because of Covid, we are pleased to be able to tell you that voters in Emsworth will at last be able to vote for the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan on Thursday July 8^th in a local referendum. If supported, the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan will become part of the statutory planning regulation that will ensure that future development will protect the distinctive character of Emsworth and make it an even better place to live, work and visit. 

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan has strong support from the Emsworth Residents Association (ERA), the Emsworth Business Association (EBA), the Emsworth Community Association (ECA), the Emsworth Community Land Trust (ECLT) and Emsworth ward Councillors. They are all urging Emsworth residents to vote ‘yes’ on Thursday July 8^th.

Stephanie Elsy, Chair of the Emsworth Forum, says ‘It has taken a lot of hard work from many people to produce the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan. We could not have done it without the help of many residents and businesses in all our public events and consultations. We are very proud that it will keep what we love about Emsworth and make sure that any future development improves the town. This is our Neighbourhood Plan and now we can have our say. I hope everyone will vote ‘yes’ on July 8^th.’

Theo Schofield, Chair of the ERA said ‘The ERA has supported the development of the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan from the beginning because as the town develops and grows, we want to preserve our community and keep Emsworth special. All the ideas for projects it contains came from local people and will make Emsworth even better – so now let us make them happen. We hope that everyone will vote for the Plan. It is your Plan. Vote for it!’

Dwynwen Stepien, Chair of ECLT added: ‘Emsworth Community Land Trust believes the Neighbourhood Plan will help us to access grants and support so that we deliver more affordable homes that meet the needs of those who work or live in Emsworth.’

Emsworth Councillor and Chair of the EBA, Lulu Bowerman agreed saying: ‘It is really important for businesses in Emsworth to be able to attract and retain visitors, employees and investors. The Neighbourhood Plan will help with this by preserving and developing its character and beauty’.

Some of the highlights of the Emsworth neighbourhood plan are that it

• Protects green spaces like the Ems Valley corridor that are so valued by local people and important to our environment and well-being.
• Encourages more affordable homes for all developments over 10 units so that there will be more affordable housing for local young people.
• Incorporates the Emsworth Design Statement creating more robust design policies that will protect Emsworth’s unique character.
• Designates a Community and Public Service Hub in the town centre that protects sites like the Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital for health or community use.
• Includes new proposals to improve traffic flow and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the town and, in particular, along the A259, high street and town centre.
• Proposes numerous exciting projects that will enhance and improve Emsworth for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
   
  If you can help the campaign for a ‘yes’ vote, please contact Stephanie Elsy via stephanie@stephelsy.net or on 07919100516.
  
  You can read the Plan on the HBC website here https://www.havant.gov.uk/emsworth-neighbourhood-planning. Printed copies will be placed in the Library. 

The Border Times June 2021
 

25th May

Residents’ concern for future of Emsworth land around Fowley Cottage as decision on planning application set to be made

EMSWORTH residents have voiced their concerns about the future of their area as they await a decision on a plan for an ‘acceptable’ number of new houses.

One of the owners of the land surrounding Fowley Cottage on Warblington Road says that family plans to build ‘legacy’ dwellings in the area are being scuppered by an ‘uphill battle’ with the council.

London lawyer Charles Glanville is keen to build a small amount of housing on his family’s land, but says that Havant Borough Council wants to put in many more dwellings than those outlined in his low density plans.  Fowley Cottage, his family’s home, was purchased in 1954 along with the land, and was inherited by Charles and his sisters Lady Pippa Blake, an artist, and Louise Burnet, a musician, after their mother passed away in 2014.  Charles said that the family planned to develop the land and put houses on it, with original plans for five to eight new dwellings, and to sell the land with planning consent.

From 2015, Charles has tried to get planning permission for a ‘legacy’ low density design of contemporary houses in this area, while maintaining Fowley Cottage. The plan is to sell Fowley Cottage, with one of the newly-builty homes acting as his own retirement house.  He said: ‘We were very keen to have a nice design, a nice legacy.
‘I was going to take one of the houses as a retirement home, as my inheritance.
‘I always dreamt of moving to Emsworth and I always dreamt of building my own home one day.’

Although originally Charles and his sisters were in agreement over plans, differences in opinion caused significant delays in the process.  Charles said: ‘Unfortunately, because it took so long to get through the change of contracts, planning policy had changed at Havant and this site, which in the previous local plan had an allocation for seven local dwellings, was showing in the new local plan for 40 dwellings.

‘Over the course of negotiation, we managed to get that down to 20 dwellings. The maximum number of houses I was going to get was nine houses.  The golden opportunity to get a planning application through was lost and it’s been an uphill battle against council policy ever since.’

A planning application for nine new dwellings on the site surrounding Fowley Cottage has been submitted, proposing two on the Warblington Road frontage and seven in the back garden area.  Emsworth residents are worried that many new houses could be built in the land surrounding Fowley Cottage on Warblington Road if Charles’ current plan is not accepted.

Charles said: ‘It’s not making the locals at all happy, the neighbours are incensed about having extra houses, extra traffic, extra noise, and they think it’ll be out of character for the site.  It’s an important site overlooking Chichester Harbour and the coastal footpath, and residents are fearful of lots of houses ruining everything.’

The planning application will be going to the Havant Borough Council committee on May 27.

Gareth Price, a resident of Warblington Road, said: ‘I would prefer it if Fowley Cottage remained a family home, with no major redevelopment.  Charles’ application would be an acceptable and realistic alternative. Potentially a good one.’  Gareth feels that any larger development proposed by the council would be ‘horrendous’. He added: ‘Not only for my ‘“nimby” self, local residents, and anyone wishing to enjoy the beauty of our particular backyard.’

Retired teacher Richard Bryant says that his daughter lives in her ‘dream home’ opposite the site.  He said: ‘As a parent and grandparent, I can envisage the traffic. I have this fear that there will be a lot more traffic in the area that could cause a problem for my family. You won’t be able to park, the schools are already full.  I would prefer no development, and it seems that it’s a choice between nine properties or 20, which is a Hobson’s choice. So it’s a no-brainer - we’ll have to have the nine.’

Graham Wingate, who has lived locally for 40 years, said: ‘The area lends itself only to reasonably sized dwellings, six or seven in that area would be okay.’

Havant Borough Council says that as this is an open application, it is unable to comment, but a decision will be made on May 27.

The News 24th May 2021

20th May

Langstone Beach Clean

The latest Langstone Beach Clean, organised by the Langstone Village Association, was greatly enhanced by the support of the Surfers against Sewage and local Facebook group Hayling Sewage Watch. 

Andy Lewis, Chairman of the Langstone Village Association (LVA) welcomed the 30 kind volunteers who braved tempestuous and  intermittent showers to not only clear the beach at Langstone, but also to extended the scavenge to clear the shoreline from Broadmarsh to Warblington and  both sides of the Hayling Bridge. “Without people who care, the historic village of Langstone would soon suffocate under the produce of civilisation!”

Nearly 20 large bags of litter were collected, as well as 2 boats that had been stranded on the foreshore for some time. Noticeable this year was the number of face masks washed up, sadly resistant to natural degrading, alongside considerable evidence of discharges from the Budd Farm sewage outfall.. Andy Lewis commented that “instead the usual waste of cans, bottles and discarded clothing; this year it was predominantly mini plastics. Lifting the drying seaweed revealed packaging components, plastic caps, plastic ring pulls, cotton buds and all kinds of bathroom products”

Mike Owens from Hayling Sewage Watch added "Sewage discharges do not only affect the quality of the water it also affects the shoreline.  Large quantities of ear buds, sanitary products, wet wipes etc.  from just one section of the beach in Langstone were recorded; such debris is clear evidence of sewage discharge where screening would appear suboptimal"

Kevin Edwards, co-ordinator of the clean said “It was really useful getting the various groups to work together in order to extend our reach. As part of a national programme it has enabled local group “Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) to truly claim an effective nationwide outcome. Personally I was shocked at the adverse impact the many sewage discharges are having on our shoreline and I hope that greater pressure will now be made to redress this”. 

For more information please contact Kevin Edwards on 07836 263984 or Mike Owens on 07775 924084

17th May

Town Centres Recovery Plan for Havant Borough

Havant Borough Council has commissioned Heartflood to provide a Covid-19 Recovery Plan for the centres of Cowplain, Emsworth, Havant, Leigh Park, Mengham, Waterlooville and West Town  As independent experts in town and city centres, Heartflood is asking for the views of local consumers and businesses to help shape the priority actions which will be recommended to the Council.

Why do we need a plan?
As well as supporting businesses to recover from the current pandemic, Havant Borough Council is committed to supporting the ongoing development and long-term sustainability of all of its centres and this work will inform key future activities to achieve this.

Why your thoughts are important
Heartflood will be making a number of assessments and recommendations based on its specialist knowledge, but it is hugely important to gather the views of local businesses and consumers, such as yourself. Whilst specific responses will remain confidential, the information you share will play a key role in the conclusions reached and recommendations made.

Given the current circumstances and the urgent need to support businesses within each town centre, a detailed Action Plan will be produced and reported to the Council in June 2021.

How will the plans help my business?
A key part of the project will involve asking businesses and their customers about what they think would result in improvements to the economic performance of each town, with the intention of improving overall trading conditions for all businesses.

8th May

Lulu Bowerman elected to Hampshire County Council and re-elected to  Havant Borough Council for the Emsworth Ward

Lulu Bowerman was returned to as a Borough Councillor for Emsworth for the second time with a majority of 1184 and a 52% share of the vote. Mss Bowerman was also elected to the County Council for Emsworth & St Faiths with a majority of 1905 and a 52% share of the vote.

Emsworth had the highest voter turnout at 44.64 per cent, while Warren Park had the lowest at 16.33 per cent.

Alan Mak MP, a Conservative, said that he is pleased with the outcome of the election.

He said: ‘Thank you to local residents for their continuing support.

‘Our councillors work hard alongside me all year round for our community, and I’m delighted we have several new young councillors joining our experienced team to deliver for our area.

‘This is a great set of election results for local Conservatives across the Havant constituency, and I know our councillors will continue to work hard for our communities, alongside me as local MP.

Full details of the local 2021 Election results can be founf HERE

5th May

New GP surgery for Emsworth to welcome its first patients in June

The new GP surgery for Emsworth is set to open its doors to its first patients in June. The redevelopment of the former Victoria Cottage Hospital site in Emsworth began in January 2020 and is due to be completed in late May 2021. The building, a stone’s throw from the existing surgery in the town centre, will be given a new lease of life when it opens its doors in June. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, construction work has been progressing during the national lockdown periods to complete the new surgery. Although the pandemic has slowed work on site, the project team has managed to keep delays to the project to a minimum. Some construction workers had to self-isolate at home which held up work on site until they could return. There have also been some post-Brexit issues which have resulted in delays in importing some building materials from Belgium.

The final fitting out of the building with office furniture will be carried out by the main contractors, Mountjoy. In order to mitigate any delays there have been up to 25 workers on site each day with overtime being worked on Saturdays.

The scheme, funded by NHS England through an Estates, Technology and Transformation fund grant, has included demolishing single-storey outbuildings, providing a new rear single-storey extension to the main building, installing a new lift shaft, reconfiguring rooms within the surgery and extensive internal and external decorations. On my site visit I was impressed by the spacious well-lit rooms which were for use as consulting rooms. In the Summer edition of The Ems we hope to show you the finished surgery. Due to Covid restrictions there is unlikely to be any grand opening ceremony.

The Ems Spring 2020

29th April

EMSWORTH: BEACH ROAD, KINGS ROAD AND WARBLINGTON ROAD EXPERIMENTAL PROHIBITION AND RESTRICTION OF WAITING ORDER 2021

A number of residents have made contact, both directly with Havant Borough Council and through local Ward Councillors, regarding some ongoing obstruction issues related to parking by vehicle users accessing the foreshore. The problems have been especially prevalent during the Summer 2020 period of lockdown with the increased pressure on local destinations. Several photographs have been submitted showing obstructive parking on the junctions and along the roads. Respondents have also supplied anecdotal evidence of ‘near misses’ at the junctions.

Results from parking surveys and site observations carried out at different times of the day and days of the week confirmed a high incidence of dangerously obstructive parking on the junctions of Beach Road and King’s Road with Warblington Road, severely restricting visibility for road users with consequential risks to road safety.

Observations also confirmed regular instances of congestive parking along the roads approaching the foreshore, which risked preventing ready access for emergency vehicles requiring passage to the slipway and foreshore access.  As part of the investigation into the most appropriate new restrictions to propose, an initial scheme was devised and an informal consultation was carried out with local stakeholders. The result of feedback received was that the junction protection was universally welcomed but the majority of respondents indicated that the proposals along the remainder of the roads were too restrictive

Following further investigations and remaining mindful of the needs of both residents and visitors to the area, it is proposed that ‘No waiting at any time’ parking restrictions be implemented on both of the junctions to improve visibility for road users and reduce the risks to road safety. It is also proposed to implement ‘No waiting at any time’ restrictions in the immediate vicinity of the slipway at the south­western end of Warblington Road and at the southern end of Beach Road, to ensure access for emergency vehicles to the foreshore. In order to maintain safe access for emergency vehicles at the busiest times, it is proposed to implement some additional seasonal restrictions (No waiting 9am – 6 pm, April – October) along lengths of Warblington Road and King’s Road.

At the south-western end of Warblington Road where there is sufficient space for parking without obstructing the slipway, it is proposed to mark three limited waiting parking bays (2 hours return prohibited within 2 hours) to provide some parking capacity for short-term visitors to the foreshore.

To ensure that the final restrictions are most appropriate to the unpredictable circumstances of the location it is proposed that they will be implemented via an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order commencing in Spring 2021. This will facilitate as assessment of the proposals during the busiest period for visitors to the area and there will be a 6-month period for members of the public to comment on the effectiveness of the restrictions. If no amendments are made to the proposals, then the restrictions will be made permanent within 18 months of the start date.

This Experimental Order will be operational from 10 April 2021 for a period of eighteen months. The reason for proceeding by way of an Experimental Order is to assess the effects of the proposals for a trial period before consideration is given to whether the provisions of the Experimental Traffic Order should be made permanent.

The full Public Notice can be read HERE

Havant Borough Council April 2021

17th April

Verity's Gift: Charity in memory of devoted mum and wife reaches £100k target to revitalise Emsworth Park

A MUM’S legacy will live on as Emsworth Park is set to be completely revamped thanks to thousands raised in her name.

Verity Turner, who passed away in 2018 aged 33, has been the inspiration for scores of charity supporters to work hard to collect £100,000 for Verity’s Gift.

The charity was set up in Verity’s name by her husband George, who wanted to make major improvements to the play area in Emsworth Park where Verity spent time with their daughter Harriet, six.

After months of hard graft from dozens of people, the charity has raised its target in one year and the work will soon be able to begin.

George, known as Topsy, said: ‘When we launched the charity I had no idea how the charity was going to take off like it has.

‘In such a short space of time, we have achieved so much and even in such adverse conditions.

‘The support and generosity we have had from not just the local area but the wider community has been so overwhelming.’

Verity’s Gift was set up in January 2020, with the purpose of raising funds to invest in projects in the area which would benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of young people.

Topsy has worked hard throughout the pandemic to raise funds, helped along the way by friends, local residents and patrons of his business Innovations Fitness who have all taken part in fundraising challenges.

One of the highlights of the fundraising calendar was the Three Peaks Challenge The Hard Way, which raised £10,000.

Along with three friends, Topsy ran up and down Britain’s three highest mountains and cycled between each mountain.

With the play park set to be completed hopefully in June, Topsy said: ‘Losing Verity has left such a void in both Harriet’s and my life and it's a big hole that is hard to fill.

‘Verity’s Gift gives us a great deal of comfort knowing that Verity’s legacy will live on and help those that have experienced loss with children.

 ‘When the children's play area is finished, it will allow us to see the smiles of the faces of children that will play on it as well as the mums, dads, grannies and grandads.

‘This will help us fill that hole! I’m sure Verity will always be there to spread warmth and happiness on all who play there.’

Through the Community Infrastructure Levy, Havant Borough Council match funded the £45,500 raised by supporters and a generous donation from the J Pritchard Trust.

Alex Rennie, cabinet lead for communications and communities, said: ‘I think it’s absolutely fantastic that we have got a charity like Verity’s Gift. It’ll be a lasting legacy to Verity and her memory.

‘It’s a tough time for everybody and to have a new facility in Emsworth will be absolutely fantastic for all the children

‘I think it will be a brilliant asset for Emsworth and it just goes to show how loved Verity was by her friends, family and the community.’

The News 12th January 2021

13th April

RNIB - Help us ‘ease’ into the new normal

With lockdown restrictions easing, there is an understandable buzz of excitement in the air as people head outside to see loved ones and enjoy the warmer weather. But we are hearing from many blind and partially sighted people who are anxious about public spaces becoming busier and have lost confidence in going outside after a year of Covid restrictions.

Measures to enforce social distancing often rely on the ability to see things like signs, queuing systems, or barriers. When you can’t see these changes, they can create new obstacles to navigate and further erode confidence.

We’re asking the public to help us safely social distance as the restrictions change. By being aware of the challenges we might face, and simply asking if assistance is needed, you can help us keep our independence and stay safe.

We’re also calling for local authorities and businesses to take action, so that measures designed to protect us are inclusive to everyone, not just to those who can see them. RNIB’s website has more information about this.

Our ‘new normal’ should be as open and inclusive as possible, to help everyone get back outside – not make it more difficult.

David Clarke

Director of Services

RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)

www.rnib.org.uk

11th April

EMSWORTH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Did you become a ‘Lockdown Gardener ’in 2020?

Do you want to improve and learn more?

Then why not join the Emsworth Horticultural Society?

For £7.00 membership you will have access to sustainable gardening supplies at our Distribution Hut.  Every month, we have a speaker, at present its via Zoom and this May, its Rose Expert Kerry Austen.  

If you would like to join the EHS please visit our website or email Brenda Abbott at ehsmembership@outlook.com for an application form.

8th April

Declining English wetland ‘is poor advert for UK’

A declining English wetland will embarrass the UK government at November’s UN climate conference, campaigners say.

LONDON, 23 March, 2021− The area around Chichester Harbour on Britain’s south coast overlooks the English Channel. Famed as a beauty spot, it is a draw for holiday-makers from the crowded towns and cities of southern Britain. It is also one of the UK’s key habitats for many bird species and for endangered mammals such as water voles. But the condition of this declining English wetland is stirring concern.

Coastal wetlands are not only important for wildlife and tourism, conservationists argue. They are one of nature’s most efficient ecosystems for absorbing carbon dioxide, and among the best forms of coastal protection, increasingly recognised for making low-lying areas more resilient and adaptable to sea level rise.

A report by researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, spells out how the value of natural wetlands far exceeds that of managed or farmed land.

The low-lying coastal plain surrounding the ancient Roman city of Chichester is one of the UK areas most vulnerable to sea level rise, increased storminess and intense rainfall.

“The sad plight of Chichester’s wetlands is an embarrassment for the government as it prepares to host COP-26, the UN’s annual climate conference”

It has done pioneering work in climate change mitigation and adaptation, including protecting the Medmerry Reserve wetlands, Europe’s largest coastal realignment scheme  when it opened in 2013. The Harbour contains the largest salt marsh on the south coast, but nearly half of it has been lost since 1970.

But now local people charge the government with neglecting their efforts to increase the area’s resilience. Libby Alexander founded the Save our South Coast Alliance (SOSCA). She says: “The sad plight of Chichester’s wetlands is an embarrassment for the government as it prepares to host COP-26, the UN’s annual climate conference, due to be held this year in Glasgow in November.” Nor is the physical condition of the Harbour her only concern.

“The government continues to preach to us and the rest of the world about climate change and the environment”, she says, “but practices an entirely different agenda. It is driving forward a building programme which is endangering the future of some of the country’s most important wetlands.”

Unfavourable condition

A report in the Guardian newspaper described the fear of many local people at “the threat of ‘rural sprawl’ creating new landscapes … the ‘suburbanisation’ of the countryside”, resulting from the government’s plans for changes to England’s planning system.

SOSCA says the threats it faces from the government’s drive for more housebuilding in south-east England include 12,650 unnecessary new homes across the coastal plain with the strong possibility of many more − “the wrong houses in the wrong places” − which will inevitably lead to extensive and irreversible damage through pollution and flooding. It says Chichester is being forced by the government to build far more new houses than it can safely accommodate.

Residents say a real threat is the untreated sewage that is pumped into the harbour, for which the local water company, Southern Water, has been penalised. It was fined £126 million in 2019 for spills of waste water into the environment from its sewage plants and for deliberately misreporting its performance. A great number of these discharges went into Chichester Harbour. The Environment Agency is reported to have launched a criminal investigation into the case.

Chichester Harbour Trust says not enough is being done to improve water quality in the Harbour. Its chairman, John Nelson, said: “We all need to force the regulators to take immediate action before we have an environmental and public health catastrophe.”

In January this year the Chichester Observer reported that over the 2020 Christmas period there were uninterrupted sewage discharges into Chichester Harbour for six days. Mr Nelson said: “Given Southern Water’s record over the Christmas period the time has come to implement radical change. The Trust is calling on the regulatory body Ofwat to use its legislative powers to put Southern Water into special administration in order to avoid an environmental catastrophe.”

Natural England is the government’s official environment adviser. It has published a new and authoritative report which describes Chichester Harbour, globally important for migratory birds, as now being in an “unfavourable and declining” condition, because of increasing development and rising sea levels.

Serious climate change adaptation and mitigation needs to be factored into the planning process immediately, says SOSCA. “Ironically, the UK government is promoting global coastal wetland conservation through its Blue Forests Initiative but failing to support the efforts of its own citizens”, said Libby Alexander. − Climate News Network

Climate News Network  March 23rd, 2021, by Carolyn Cobbold

1st April

GOLD Democracy Award for Bourne Community College

We have been awarded Gold status by West Sussex County Council for our exceptional engagement in Youth Cabinet elections. Two of our students, 

Katarina Hill (Year 9) and Kieran Turnbull (Year 8), were elected to represent Southbourne on the 

West Sussex Youth Cabinet. They were privileged to take part recently in this year’s Virtual Ceremony with all the Award Winners and guest speaker, Tim Loughton MP.

Katarina has been involved in leading webinars about racial inequalities and political discourse. She is looking forward to upcoming 'Seas and Coasts' work.  

Kieran has been running free online quizzes to boost people’s mental health as part of the Mental Health Campaign.

This initiative in local democracy has enabled us to promote Article 12 of UNCRC where adults have a duty to ensure that young people are listened to seriously on matters that affect them.

Mr Harper, Teacher of RE,
i/c Student Voice and  Student Leadership

29th March

Hamper raises £600 for the Bring Joy Foundation 

Local at-home care company, Home Instead Havant, is over the moon to have beaten the Bring Joy Foundation’s ‘Challenge 500’ of raising £500, by raising an amazing £600 for the charity!

£1 tickets were purchased to be in with the chance of winning a hamper full of more than 40 goodies. The money raised for the Bring Joy Foundation will help fund local community groups that enhance and enrich the lives of seniors by keeping them fit, active, healthy and more importantly, connected and contributing to their local communities.

Mark Gettinby, owner of Home Instead Havant, commented on the fundraising challenge: “Our elderly community has had a really tough time recently. Most, if not all, have been self-isolating due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left some feeling lonely and isolated because they have not been able to interact with other people, especially their loved ones, in the ways that they would normally. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure our elderly loved ones are protected and connected.

“The Bring Joy Foundation brings people safely together, whether that is in person or through the use of connective technology to re-establish those vital personal connections that make us all smile and help us to remember who we are.”

Mark continued: “We’d like to thank our office team and caregivers for donating goodies for the hamper, and to everyone who purchased a ticket, or two, to win the hamper. Congratulations to Hilary and Paul, the winners of the hamper. They were absolutely delighted with their win. They enjoyed some of the array of 40 goodies, however the majority they passed on to their local church for careful distribution to local families in need. Wonderful!”

To find out more about Home Instead Havant and the services they offer, please call 02394 249683 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/havant/

23rd March

Emsworth Artists offer online show

The Emsworth Artists spring art exhibition runs online from March 27-April 10 offering a range of delights.

Spokeswoman Jan Copsey said: “Having had an extremely successful lockdown exhibition in the summer last year and due to the possibility of further restrictions and keeping everyone safe for the beginning of this year, we have decided to stage a spring online art exhibition.

“Normally we have our exhibition over the August Bank Holiday but due to the Emsworth Art Trail hopefully being held at the beginning of September, we are moving our summer exhibition to the spring enabling as many artists as possible to enter online.

“We are expecting more than 20 artists to participate meaning an exhibition of at least 100 artworks.

“Each artist can submit up to five entries and any purchases that are desired should be done directly through the artist. Each artist has a page dedicated to their work with all their contact details. This worked very well for both artists and purchasers last year. We are suggesting – also as last time – that a voluntary donation can be made to the Community Centre by any artist who sells their work, thus enabling us to continue our support for them at this difficult time. To access the exhibition, log on to our website www.emsworthartists.org.uk and then click on Exhibition.”

Chichester Observer 19th March 2021

18th March

A local environmental group is calling on national authorities to step up and protect the River Ems from local water companies’ plans.

The Ems, a rare chalk stream, is threatened by the amount of water taken from its underground sources by Portsmouth Water (PW).

The Friends of the Ems group (FOTE) sees the planned Havant Thicket reservoir as an opportunity for PW to reduce pressure on the river and help it regain a proper flow.

But the company has done a deal which would mean that supplies would be piped out of the local area and used by Southern Water (SW) instead.

Now FOTE is calling on the national water industry regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency to act.

A FOTE spokesperson said: “The proposal for a reservoir at Havant Thicket gave us hope that the ability to capture and store new water would enable a reduction in the amount taken from the sources of the Ems.

“But it looks like none of the reservoir supply will be used to help our river. Instead, PW and SW have signed an agreement proposing a transfer of 60m litres per day from the local area. There is a proposal to convert seawater to drinking water using a plant at Fawley, which we support. But if this does not go ahead, the amount transferred could increase to 115m litres per day.

“The Ems, with its trout and water voles and kingfishers, is in crisis. The effects of the water being taken by PW are becoming more and more apparent in the summer and early autumn, when flows drop and sections dry up altogether.

“The evidence of damage to the Ems, which has been known for years, should be acted upon. This transfer of water out of this area should not be allowed until steps have been taken to ensure proper flow in the Ems. And Havant Thicket should not be a missed opportunity. Further progress on the reservoir plan should only be permitted on condition that watercourses like the Ems are protected and restored.

“We acknowledge the need to maintain a public water supply in the face of population growth and climate change. But this cannot be at the further expense of fragile habitats, and the plants and animals they support.”

The Ems flows through the South Downs national park in West Sussex, near the Hampshire border, and into Chichester Harbour at Emsworth. FOTE is part of Greening Westbourne, a campaign group in Westbourne. Greening Westbourne has been supporting a proposal by Chichester District Council to make the area along the Ems a designated ‘wildlife corridor’ because of its environmental importance.

 Local people who want to join FOTE can get involved by signing up as supporters. They should email greeningwestbourne@hotmail.co.uk

 For more information find Greening Westbourne Campaign on Facebook or   the group’s website: www.e-voice.org.uk/greening-westbourne

See also:

 Rescue plan launched for river at “cliff edge”

 Evidence shows damage to River Ems

9th March

Government launches 'Right to Regenerate'

consultation Fast responses please!

The Government is asking for speedy feedback on its plans to make it easier for communities to buy underused land and derelict buildings for affordable housing and other community spaces.

This consultation closes on 13 March 2021. More details on

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/right-to-regenerate-to-turn-derelict-buildings-into-homes-and-community-assets

The ‘Right to Regenerate’ proposals put forward:

·               Proposals for the public to have first right of refusal to purchase underused land

·               Land to be sold by default, unless compelling reason not to

·               Making it easier for the public to transform vacant land and derelict buildings into homes or community spaces

Emsworth CLT would like to see a ‘right of first refusal’ for Community Land Trusts, other properly constituted community and charitable organisations, and for individuals or associations of individuals bringing forward self and custom-build housing proposals. This would align the policy with the Government’s ambition to diversify the housebuilding industry through these approaches, as stated for example in the Planning White Paper.

It is particularly important that Community Land Trusts enjoy this right because the statutory definition of the CLT (in s79 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008) expressly requires that they then use the assets to further the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the community. This further aligns the Right to Regenerate with the National Planning Policy Framework and the HM Treasury Green Book, and locks these objectives into the asset in perpetuity.

Further information from Maggie Gebbett 01243 699517 or maggie_gebbett@yahoo.co.uk

www.emsworthclt.org.uk

5th March

Future plans for Emsworth from Havant Borough Council

Havant BC has recently submitted its finalised Local Plan for inspection by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State. This extensive work provides comprehensive information on how HBC plans to manage planning in the borough, particularly the building of new homes to 2037.

If the Plan is agreed it provides clear guidance for the work of HBC planners as well as outlining information on future developments.

The lengthy document includes a section on Emsworth’s development sites. Page 229 onwards covers plans for new housing in Emsworth focusing on key sites. The largest of these wholly within Emsworth is at Long Copse Lane. It currently has 260 new dwellings listed as possible. However, there is still opposition from many residents to the inclusion of this site, as they consider it wholly unsuitable for development.

Several other sites are mentioned with the number of new homes. Southleigh is the largest potential development in the whole borough with possibly more than 2,000 new homes built eventually and 1,200 of these planned for completion in the next 15 years. Only a small corner of the Southleigh site is within Emsworth ward, but the development will have a major impact on Emsworth as the nearest centre for people moving in there.

The Emsworth Community Land Trust will make use of the Local Plan and be active in checking that there are the appropriate number of affordable homes included. ECLT will also work to encourage and aid any community developments. A section on Affordable Housing can be found from page 183 in HBC’s Local Plan.

Another important key document is the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan (ENP), put together by the Emsworth Forum. The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan has been accepted by an Independent Inspector, and accepted by Havant Borough Council, being given ‘significant weight’ in planning matters by the Planning Department. A separate public vote is organised for the Emsworth Plan on 8th July 2021.

The HBC Local Plan can be viewed online HERE

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed online HERE

Emsworth Community Land Trust 4th March 2021

 See also: Save Long Copse Lane Campaign: https://www.savelongcopselane.org.uk

4th March

Financial support granted for Emsworth

YMCA youth & community centre plan

In the CLT housing and community needs survey, almost three quarters of respondents said that facilities for young people in Emsworth were inadequate. Also, with the growth in housing there is a need for good quality childcare to complement the existing provision.

The CLT has been working with the YMCA and Havant Council to see how we can respond to these needs. Survey work is currently being undertaken with the wider community to see what provision can be made and a decision will be made in the spring as to the viability and design of a new centre.

We are delighted to say that Havant Borough Council (HBC) has earmarked £200,000 towards the building of a new Early Years, Youth and Community Centre on the north end of New Brighton Road, Emsworth. When built, the centre will provide a focal point for the local area and provide much needed childcare, youth services as well as space for the community to come together. The YMCA is leading on the plans and currently gathering feedback from local people on their aspirations for the centre. The CIL fund is administered by local councillors who annually examine many applications for a grant.

The plans for the centre can be found online via YMCA’s website www.ymca-fg.org/emsworth. This includes details of how the building might look, the usage of the centre and an opportunity to engage in the local consultation. Once all the views have been examined, the plans will be amended to take notice of particular requests.

The project is led by YMCA who run a network of similar community places across Hampshire. They use the spaces for nursery care as well as a place for people of all ages to come together and build community. In Emsworth the YMCA is working in close partnership with a number of local organisations including Emsworth Community Land Trust, Emsworth Residents Association and Havant Borough Council to ensure they understand local demands and services can be dovetailed together.

The recent CIL money allocated towards the project is a major contribution towards the total project costs of £1.5mn. Fundraising plans are in place to raise the balance of the funds, and please do contact emsworth@ymca-fg.org if you want to get more involved in being part of this exciting project.

Emsworth Community Land Trust 3rd March 2021

3rd March

Emsworth's New Surgery to Open in May

The Emsworth Community Land Trust worked closely with many Emsworth groups under the banner ‘Emsworth United’. And, together with local politicians, we now have the new GP surgery for Emsworth welcoming its first patients in early May.

It is incredible how the community working together can make things happen. The partnership of the community with Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the local surgery means that Emsworth can now offer a high quality building for all its patients.

Sara Tiller, managing director of NHS South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We share everyone’s excitement at what will be a terrific new health facility for people in the Emsworth area. “The local community has been involved every step of the way in helping to decide the best location for the facility and in the planning to help make this development a reality. “Although the cottage hospital had been closed for several years, it is held very dear to many people’s hearts – and its memory and contribution to health over the decades will live on in the new surgery, where parts of the old building have been lovingly retained and professionally restored by the contractors. “

The Emsworth Community Land Trust would like to thank all those involved in the re-development of the cottage hospital into a new state of the art surgery. A fantastic achievement by all.

Emsworth Community Land Trust 3rd March 2021

26th February

Emsworth is amongst the Communities to benefit from the Community Infrastructure Levy

Communities across the borough of Havant will benefit from thousands of pounds in funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

It was agreed at a recent Havant Borough Council Full Council meeting that 12 of the projects who had bid for funding through the CIL Neighbourhood Portion bidding process, held in the summer of 2020, would receive funds.

Developers pay the levy when they build in the borough enabling the council to invest in infrastructure projects such as schools, transport links, open spaces and recreational facilities.   The ‘neighbourhood portion’ makes up 15% of the money collected. Each year groups and organisations can bid for a share to fund projects to benefit the local community.

Councillor Leah Turner, Cabinet Lead for Coastal Communities at Havant Borough Council, said: “Since introducing CIL in 2015 many local communities across the borough have benefitted from millions of pounds of investment in hundreds of projects.

“This year was no exception and we are contributing funding to a dozen projects across the borough, which will improve the lives of residents.”

The council agreed £438,330 of CIL funding in February 2021 to support the following projects:

•         Age Concern Hayling Island building renovations - £6,000

•         Surgery fit out upgrade Emsworth Surgery Patient Participation Group - £12,200

•         Enhanced access for people with disabilities at 3rd Hayling Scout Group - £8,000

•         YMCA Emsworth, Redlands Grange - £200,000

•         Acorn Community Centre extension - Wecock Community Association -£87,880

•         Elstead Gardens to Ladybridge Road path (PAWARA) - £11,950

•         Artificial cricket pitch at Bidbury Mead, Bedhampton Mariners Cricket Club - £5,460

•         Citizens Advice Centre and Help Hub - £55,000

•         HAMESH Men’s Shed relocation and expansion - £15,000

•         Energy efficiency improvements at The Spring Arts Centre - £32,050

•         Refurbishment of conservatory and lounge at Domestic Abuse Refuge - £2,720

•         Widbrook Utd - Bartons Green store room - £2,050

To find out more about how the council collects and allocates funds from developers visit: www.havant.gov.uk/planning-policy/community-infrastructure-levy-cil

25th February

Coronavirus testing centre set up at Havant Library

A  coronavirus testing centre has opened in Havant for people who must leave home to work. 

The centre, in Havant Library, in the Meridian Centre, opened on Wednesday 24 February, giving workers the chance to take regular tests for coronavirus.  The testing centre is one of 11 to be introduced across county and will run for six weeks.  

Arranged by appointment, the tests are aimed at residents who travel regularly outside their home for work, who work for businesses with fewer than 50 employees and who are not covered by an existing workplace testing scheme. 

Around one in three people with coronavirus display no symptoms. The tests will help prevent transmission by asymptomatic carriers. 

Results are not given on-site, instead they are fed into the NHS Test and Trace system and then passed on to the individual later in the day.  

The centre will be open from Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm (last appointment at 4.30pm)   On Saturdays, appointments begin at 9.30am and final appointments are available from 4.30pm.  Free parking will be available at Bulbeck Road Car Park. 

The centre is being delivered in partnership by the Hampshire County Council and the Department of Health and Social Care.  Cllr Michael Wilson, HBC Leader, said: "The testing centre will give Havant residents the chance to go to work safe in the knowledge they are not unwittingly carrying coronavirus. 

“It is another crucial blow in the fight against the virus and another step towards us reclaiming our lives.” 

 How rapid asymptomatic testing works  

Tests can be booked online 24 hours in advance through Havant Borough Council's website or on Hampshire County Council’s website and appointments should take no more than 30 minutes.

Anyone who cannot book online should contact Havant Borough Council, who will be able to book a test on your behalf.   You will be asked not to eat anything for 30 minutes prior to your test.   

You will take a lateral flow test, which involves a self-administered swab of the nose and throat, under the guidance of trained staff.Results will be confirmed after leaving the testing site by text message sent direct to your mobile (or to a nominated mobile phone belonging to a family member or friend, if you do not have your own).  You will be invited to return for testing every three to five days throughout the six-week programme.   Anyone receiving a positive test result will need to follow self-isolation guidance but will not need to book a follow-up test.

For more information go to www.havant.gov.uk/get-test-workers-without-symptoms or phone 01730 234110. 

24th February

Latest proposals for ‘two-way cycle track’ between Emsworth and Chichester divide opinion

A campaign group has claimed that new plans for walking and cycling provision on the A259 between Emsworth and Chichester will save lives.

This comes despite some scepticism from residents after proposals were revealed to narrow a road in Emsworth, to make way for a ‘shared use pavement’, and to relocate a Southbourne bus stop, to allow a narrow pavement to be used as a two-way cycle-track.

The scheme, developed by Highways England in collaboration with West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council in June last year, would see a seven-mile long off-road route link Chichester and Emsworth.

Following virtual workshops earlier this month, residents were told by Highways England that the proposed improvement scheme ‘will provide safe route for both pedestrians and cyclists’.

Jeremy Board, founder of the Gina’s Cycle Path Group, said: “We predict that the new cycle path proposal from Highways England will prevent 147 injuries, ranging from slight to serious, in the next ten years.

“These are not just numbers, these are real people, our neighbours, friends, family, our loved ones who will be spared from injury, who will be protected for generations to come. We would ask everyone to please say yes to safety.”

However, the proposals have not won over everyone.

Andrew Gould, secretary of Chichester and District Cycle Forum, said representatives were ‘shocked to find’ that the plans, drawn up locally, for segregated continuous cycle lanes on both sides of the road, running all the way from the A27 underpass in Fishbourne to the roundabout in Emsworth, were rejected.

He said: “Instead, the latest Highways England proposals mean that the vast majority of it would be a shared cycle/pedestrian path.

“This is despite the fact that a shared cycle/pedestrian path in an urban environment is against all the latest government guidelines. They are unpopular with pedestrians and cyclists alike, and are often extremely dangerous where there are hidden exits from driveways.”

Mark Record, from Chi Cycle, said the scheme would be a ‘huge waste of money’.

He added: “Of particular concern is the inconvenience that two way cycle traffic will inflict on people who are elderly, with sensory impairment, mobility disability, and families with children.”

Have you read?: Villagers’ anger at proposals to make path ‘two-way cycle track’

Regular commuter Bryan Hodges agreed. He said: “We will end up with an expensive waste of time that will make things more dangerous and won’t even be used by most people.

“There is no way that I, or 90 per cent of the other cyclists I see on a daily basis will; stop and give way at all side roads; cycle on the pavement; cross the A259 twice; cycle against the flow of oncoming traffic.”

City and district councillor Sarah Sharp said ‘it isn’t good enough’ to put in changes that ‘leave people cycling on the road or pedestrians worried about their safety’.

She added: “Getting sustainable infrastructure in place to enable more people to walk and cycle in safety is absolutely essential.

“We need to embrace the latest rules set out by the Government to deliver high quality infrastructure - and prioritize getting safe, segregated cycle routes.”

A Highways England spokesperson said ‘we care about everyone who uses our road network’, adding: “Improved cycling and walking opportunities have obvious benefits for health, safety and the wider environment.

“Space is limited here, and we’ve worked with local authority partners on a design that provides the most benefits within the space available, taking into account the existing characteristics of the road layout and the village/rural setting.”

Mr Board said the new proposals have ‘not been designed to make life more difficult’.

He added: “We know and respect that drivers cycle and cyclists drive. We know local drivers care deeply about safety, we believe we will all enjoy cycling the new safe cycle path together.”

Chichester Observer 17th February 2-21

10th February

North Street Road Closure

A section of North Street, Emsworth, will be closed from Thursday 11th Feb - 2nd March for to complete bridge strengthening works.

Alternative route: via Horndean Rd, Southleigh Rd, Emsworth Rd, A259 Havant Rd, B2148 North St and vice versa.

1st February

Freddie Carr's message for Bourne Community College Students

We were delighted to receive a lovely, motivational message all the way from New Zealand to the students of Bourne Community College from Freddie Carr, a member of Ben Ainslie's Team INEOS UK - The British contender for the Americas Cup (the Formula 1 of sailing). Freddie, who lives with his family in Emsworth, has been a regular visitor to our school where he has given inspirational Assemblies to our students. Messages such as these, really do spur the students on especially during such a strange period of their of their schooling. schooling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAFZEckf2ds&feature=youtu.be

Yvonne Watkins,Headteacher

Covid Testing at the Bourne

As part of our new normal at Bourne Community College, we are operating a highly successful testing programme twice a week for all staff and returning students.  A big thank you to our testing team who have done a brilliant job in setting this up and running it so efficiently. 

Yvonne Watkins,Headteacher

24th January

Youth and community centre planned in North Emsworth

YMCA Emsworth is a potential new nursery, youth and community centre for Northern Emsworth. Located within Redlands Grange, the building would occupy designated community land and provide a hub for local activity and a place where people of all ages can come together and belong. Offering youth facilities, a childcare nursery and community programmes, the building will provide vital services to the area and foster community life.

YMCA is working in partnership with HBC, ECLT and a number of local community and Church groups on this project.

If you have small children who need nursery care or youngsters who want to find places to meet and get-together you can have a good look on what is planned – the site, building, outdoor play area and other details. The location is at the north end of New Brighton Road using an open space earmarked for community usage during the building of Redlands Grange housing.

A feasibility study is now underway to consider the design, community views and funding for the centre.  The feasibility study will help to determine building design and gather views and feedback as well as understand the funding options. Depending upon the outcome of these aspects, a decision will be made by Easter 2021 regarding whether to proceed with the centre.  If a positive decision were to be taken, the next step would be to secure planning permission, appoint contractors and commence construction.  The earliest date a centre would be available would be Spring 2023.

To have your say, please complete the short online survey or alternatively, post your hard copy questionnaire into the collection box at Co-op on Southleigh Road. Complete before 1st March 2021 to be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win £30 gift vouchers to spend at the Co-op!

YMCA 23rd January

23rd January

 Remember the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan first finalised in 2019 for a public vote?

After years of preparation based on deep and careful research, the Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan was drawn up by Emsworth Forum at various meetings held to keep local people informed. This was a long and difficult process but those who devoted so much time and effort to the publication had expected a final vote on it shortly. A copy of the document can be read HERE


This Neighbourhood Plan was due to be voted on in a final Referendum held at the same time as the election of local councillors firstly in in 2020, then delayed by a year to be voted on in the coming months in 2021. With the Covid situation the May election 2021 is now likely to be delayed further and consequently the Emsworth Local Plan will not be up for a vote either at that time. This is an on-going concern particularly for those who had worked tirelessly to get the Neighbourhood Plan finalised. The Government has issued guidance to local councils that allow Neighbourhood Plans affected by the postponement to be given ‘significant weight’ in decision making ahead of the referendum taking place.

The Emsworth Neighbourhood Plan gives significant guidance and advice to those engaged in planning applications about what is, and is not, likely to be acceptable to Havant Borough Council planners. Despite countless surveys and interviews completed to get the Plan document finalised, it is currently another problem due to the Covid crisis. Let’s hope it survives this setback and celebrates life support before too long.

Emsworth CLT 21st  January

23rd January

Covid jabs in Emsworth

A large team of NHS staff and at least 30 volunteers helped more than 600 people a day, aged 70+, to receive their first jab in Emsworth. The spacious Baptist Church is the venue.   More than 5,000 local people had received jabs by mid-January.

The Oxford vaccine has just arrived so delivery of jabs will now go up to 1,200 a day receiving injections. The centre is currently open for three days a week. Once supplies of vaccine are regular, there will be an on-going delivery of the programme to those who are contacted (by email or phone) by their surgery to alert them to their appointment.

Attending for an injection is well managed.  On arrival, after giving in name etc, patients are indoors and l called to the main door to enter the spacious hall.  Inside the hall there are at least 6 stations manned by those with the vials of vaccine.  They check identity and explain what will happen and administer the jab. Each recipient receives a small card with a record of the type of jab given with the date and batch number.

Any chairs used are cleaned immediately after use and all staff volunteers are wearing badges, masks and yellow jackets.

Thanks and congratulations to all those who have swung into action to deliver this efficient programme so effectively.  It is much appreciated that Emsworth’s programme is one of the leaders of this nationwide delivery of injections.

Emsworth CLT 21st  January

15th January

Emsworth Community Land Trust looking to the future

The November AGM for ECLT (on Zoom) outlined the priorities for its plans for next year. High on the agenda is continued work with YMCA who are keen to lead the building of the site for nursery and youth provision on the plot north of Brighton Road. Hopefully, as the Covid lock down reduces in 2021, ECLT aims to work closely with those interested in the way a new centre could provide additional facilities in north Emsworth. A YMCA centre would also help those who move into the hundreds of new homes planned to be developed in North Emsworth in the next ten years in Southleigh area.

With the results of the Housing and Community Survey, the ECLT aims to work with the council to influence the affordable homes that will be coming through to better meet the needs of those who need to live and/or work in Emsworth.

Another key strand of ECLT’s work is to continue to be the catalyst for action with the shops in the town centre. The shop owners have worked flat out during the last months to stay afloat. ECLT helped with the Emsworth Alliance launch to help shoppers. A strong sense of connection emerged in the community during this project and ECLT plans to continue to work hard on such key local aims.

There is also an ECLT project afoot to improve South Street to expand some earlier plans for this area. This would work alongside the proposals shown in the last EMS for possible town centre improvements. ECLT also works closely with those at Havant Council and appreciates the support received from them.

The ECLT would like to welcome more local residents to join as members. It costs only £1 for life. (Donations are also welcome, of course.) Try our new website on https://emsworthclt.org.uk and you can drop a signed membership form and £1 into the Emsworth Community Centre (behind the fire station). Please do join us in our dedication to help with improvements in our town.

Dwyn Stepien & Maggie Gebbett

11th January

Evidence shows damage to River Ems

The Friends of the Ems group, formed by people in Westbourne and the surrounding area, has assembled a dossier of evidence to show how the river has been harmed.

The group believes the river is being seriously damaged by the amount of water being removed from its underground sources, and is lobbying Portsmouth Water and the Environment Agency for a reduction. It has been backed by Chichester MP Gillian Keegan and local councillors.

A group spokesperson said: ‘Since we formed back in September we’ve done a lot of research, which has included uncovering past reports, speaking to experts and recording the memories of local people.

‘We’ve gathered a lot of evidence which we believe shows how much the river has deteriorated over the years. It’s now at a very worrying point and action is needed to save it.

‘Having enough water in our taps is of vital importance. But the social and environmental benefits of a fully functioning river are also of immense value.

‘The Ems is a very rare chalk stream, one of only about 200 of its kind on Earth. It’s a vital resource for local people as well as for wildlife. Walkers find beauty and relaxation along its banks. Children play in it, feed the ducks, catch tiddlers and experience nature. It has a huge role in the wellbeing and mental health of the community.

‘We believe it must be possible to find a way of reducing pressure on the river while maintaining a water supply.’

The group, known as FOTE, says the Ems was healthier and flowed more strongly in the past, before modern-day abstraction (removal of water) by Portsmouth Water.

It says:

·       Past editions of the national angling guide Where to Fish show that the river has changed dramatically. From at least 1928 through to 1966, the guide’s description of the Ems was consistent. It said the river ‘rises above Racton’ and has ‘good trouting’. By 1967 the entry had been modified to: ‘rises above Racton, trout, but upper reaches are dry most of summer’. By 1973 there was no mention of the Ems as a place to fish at all.

·       There was a commercial angling club at Aldemoor/Lord’s Fishpond (alongside Foxbury Lane, just before Woodmancote Lane) that died out in the early 1970s, after abstraction began.

·       The Domesday Book (1086) listed four mills and a fishery at Westbourne, a mill at Warblington, a mill at Newtimber (close to Warblington), a mill at Lordington, two mills at Nutbourne and three mills at Bosham. The four mills at Westbourne were recorded as the most valuable in the area, well above the average for mills in Sussex. This suggests they were stronger than average. The fact that there was a mill at Lordington suggests there was once a much greater flow of water there. On the 1640 map of Westbourne there are at least two watermills in the village itself (River Street and King Street), and up to five fisheries.

·       The area had extensive water meadows and watercress beds, visible to this day on LIDAR (aerial laser survey) maps.

·       There was a sheepwash below Broadwash Bridge (on the Common Road, just north of Foxbury Lane) that was used to wash flocks in June before they were sheared.

·       Numerous oral history records suggest that the river was never dry below Aldemoor/Lord’s Fishpond, north of Westbourne, before abstraction began in the 1960s. It was rarely dry below Broadwash Bridge, and for extensive parts of the year trout and eels could be found as far north as Mitchamer pond below Stoughton.

·       Plant and animal surveys reported to the Environment Agency in 2007 suggest the Ems used to be perennial (flowing year-round) below Broadwash bridge.

FOTE says climate change or urbanisation cannot account for this reduction in the strength of the river.

It points out that in the last 50 years it has become quite common for the millpond at Westbourne to dry out in dry summers, despite Portsmouth Water pumping water into the river above the village. 

In late September last year, local people were appalled when the river became not much more than a chain of puddles through the village, with dead and dying fish. One resident described it as the worst he had ever seen.

The river had already been on the edge of drying out, but reached this crisis point because of a failure of a pump used by Portsmouth Water to add water at times of low flow.

The pump was eventually fixed, and rain helped to restore some flow. Portsmouth Water apologised, referring to ‘technical problems’.

It is likely that the river and its wildlife will take years to recover. FOTE believes the incident highlights long-term issues with the management of the river.

Several reports on the Ems accept the impact that abstraction has had on the river and its biodiversity. Abstraction rates have been fairly constant over the last 50 years but the condition of the river has got steadily worse.

FOTE says this reflects the unsustainability of the abstraction, especially during a period of changing climate. It believes species including the water vole, kingfisher and brown trout could become locally extinct. 

It does not accept that the river is a winterbourne – a stream or river that is naturally dry through the summer months. It says that before abstraction began, it had a year-round flow well above Westbourne.

FOTE is part of Greening Westbourne, a local environmental campaign. Greening Westbourne has been supporting a proposal by Chichester District Council to make the area along the Ems a designated “wildlife corridor” because of its environmental importance.

Local people who want to join FOTE can get involved by signing up as supporter. They should email greeningwestbourne@hotmail.co.uk

The group is also keen to receive more information, especially written or photographic evidence, that suggests the river once enjoyed better conditions and flows. It is also still collecting evidence of how the community and river wildlife have been affected by low flows.

7th January

Emsworth Sailing Club has reached the national final of the RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award 2021.

The award scheme, supported by Gallagher, recognises the outstanding achievements of sailing clubs across the UK and promotes the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful club – a feat made even more challenging this year with Covid-19 restrictions to contend with.

As an RYA south region finalist, the volunteer-run club is one of ten finalists from across the UK and a public vote will now decide the winner.  The club is hoping members, local sailors and nearby residents will vote for the club in its bid to become the national RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year.  Peggy Field, Emsworth Sailing Club sustainability co-ordinator said: “We are incredibly excited as a club - being a finalist is a first for us and is welcome positive news at the end of a very challenging year for everyone.

“Whilst COVID curtailed much of our club programme, we pulled together to do what we could to support members and our local community.

“During the first lockdown, we opened up our boat park, next to the coastal footpath, so local residents had space to walk maintaining social distancing.

“Despite not being allowed on the water, our members took to virtual racing, keeping sailors of all ages engaged.

“As soon as we could, we got back to training and racing, albeit with restrictions in place.

“We realised how important this was to the wellbeing of our members – being back in the fold of their club.”

In addition to the club reaching the final, the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has also given Emsworth Sailing Club special recognition for its sustainability achievements.

Earlier this year the club launched its Environment Plan, which has embedded environmental thinking into the club’s decision-making, making it part of the club DNA and affecting every aspect of club activity, from on the water to in the office and even at the bar.  Numerous actions have been implemented to help ‘green’ the club, including fitting trigger nozzles on hoses to reduce water use and using LED lighting in the clubhouse.  The club recycles as much as possible and looks to ‘repurpose’ things like old rope, that would have previously been thrown away.  The club’s RYA training principal also makes sure instructors are trained to be ‘green’ so ‘on the water teaching’ does not disturb harbour wildlife and habitats.

Despite not having the full calendar of racing events, those that have gone ahead have been greener, with online registration and tallying.

Peggy added: “We are incredibly proud to receive special recognition for all our work on sustainability.

“All members, whether they sail, surf, swim or paddle, appreciate how amazing our very own blue - ‘Chichester Harbour’ - is. We want to make sure we look after it for the next generation of sailors.”

Voting closes on January 25. The overall winner will be announced at the RYA Virtual Dinghy Show. To vote visit awards.yachtsandyachting.co.uk/rya.  The club has also developed local links and reached out to other clubs in the area to share knowledge and maximise impact.

Having celebrated its 100th year in 2019, the club has a very forward-facing focus, including an emphasis on youth development.  The club’s juniors have also been very pro-active in helping with litter picks and making videos on plastic pollution.

Peggy said: “There is still more to be done and we are really excited to be in contact with other local clubs around the Harbour to share ideas and learn from each other. From the youngest to oldest member, our club community has come on board to take action to support a sustainable Emsworth Sailing Club. By going green we can save our blue!”

Michelle Gent, RYA Programmes Manager said: “A huge congratulations to all ten Club of the Year finalists. This has been an especially challenging year for clubs and each and every person involved in the running of these organisations has put in a tremendous amount of time and effort so that others can safely get afloat. Now it’s over to you to pick a winner!

Rob Peake, group editor of Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting, said: “Anyone who started at club level as a child, or who joined a club as their entry to the sailing world as an adult, knows how vital that experience can be.

“A good club will show you how to get better at sailing and encourage you to continue sailing. A great club will help you simply enjoy sailing and it will welcome people from all parts its local community. The Club of the Year Award is unique in that it recognises the hard work that goes on behind the scenes by volunteers to make sailing clubs great, and to encourage more people into our sport.”

The Chichester Observer 5th January  2021

4th Januaary

Covid-19 Vaccination Update

Havant Borough and neighbouring villages, eleven GP practices^1. which also covers some practices in Waterlooville and Havant) started running vaccination clinics from three 'hubs' — Waterlooville Health Centre, Hayling Health Centre and Emsworth Baptist Church before Christmas.  Sites were needed  to accommodate a large throughput of patients because, unlike flu jabs, which patients usually receive from their practices, the new vaccine needs more specialist storage and preparation. It is hoped that as other vaccines become available. and the expert advice develops, we can extend the number of vaccination sites.

Both the vaccines currently licenced for use in the UK (Pfizer and Astra Zeneca) require two doses to maximise the protection against Coronavirus that they provide. The Chief Medical Officer, supported by Government scientists, advised on 1 January 2021 that, due to the intensity of the current infection 'spike', the interval between doses should be 12 weeks rather than the three weeks originally advised for the Pfizer vaccine, to enable more people to have a first dose sooner.  This means that everyone who had a vaccination at one of ther hubs in December, and who was told to return three weeks later for their second jab, will now have this second appointment postponed until early/mid-March.

 Read the full update from The local Primary Care Networks HERE

1, Bosmere Medical Practice, Denmead Practice, The Elms Practice, Emsworth Surgery, Homewell Practice, Oaks Heatthcare, Park Lane Medics Practice, Staunton Surgery, The Village Surgery, Vine Medical Group, Waterside Metal Practice are working together to vaccinate patients as quickly as they can. The primary care networks (PCNs) of Havant & Waterlooville, Hayling Island & Emsworth and Strawberry Health.

1st January

Emsworth was put into Tier 4 on Saturday 19th December

1. Non-essential shops, hairdressers and leisure and entertainment venues are closed, with a new “stay at home” message introduced.
2. People who need to travel for education or childcare will be exempt, and exercise will be unlimited. Where people cannot work from home, they are still able to travel to work.
3. Under the measures, households will not be allowed to mix, but one person will be allowed to meet with one other person outside in a public space. Support bubbles and those meeting for childcare will be exempt.
4. Those who are deemed clinically extremely vulnerable should not go to work and should limit time outside of their homes.
5. Tier 4 residents must not stay overnight away from home, and cannot travel abroad.
More info. on Emsworth in Tier 4 can be found HERE