PO9 ISSUE ONE
|
MARCH 2012
THE PO9 POSTCODE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER A Postcode Publications Ltd Free Newspaper – Founding Supporters of the Havant Community Chest
Here is the first exciting edition of your BRAND NEW free newspaper... Launched as the only publication dedicated solely to residents living in the PO9 postcode area, planned to appear every two months with a circulation of 25,000 copies delivered and available from static locations. Success of the PO9 newspaper will rely on corporate support subscriptions and advertising revenue from local businesses active in the PO9 postcode area. If you want to get your business noticed in PO9, then please contact us through our website: www.postcodepublications.com Feedback letters will also be published to encourage rolling stories of general interest to readers, so get writing. Tell us what you like and don’t like, and what you would like to see in PO9; remember, PO9 exists to publish your stories. We do not employ professional reporters as we need to keep our costs low and our charitable contributions as high as we can. We are locally owned and not governed by anybody elsewhere.What you read is what residents have reported. We can always seek to do better, but our content can only reflect what you have to say that would be of interest to others. Nothing is too small or insignificant, so get writing and let us have your input.
Postcode Publications & The Havant Community Chest The purpose of establishing our newspapers is fundraising for public benefit. Our approach to fundraising is through advertising sales and Corporate Support Finance from our partners and supporters (see logos at the foot of this page). Supporters and partners are given an opportunity to participate in this unique local proposition to advertise or further their business community objectives, knowing that surplus funds raised will be going to deserving causes. The Havant Community Chest will be launched later this year to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Postcode Publications are the founding supporters of the Chest that will allocate donated funds to qualifying applications from across the PO7, PO8, PO9, PO10 and PO11 postcode areas making fund-raising really count for deserving local causes. Details will be published in each of our postcode newspapers in due course. All enquiries in the first instance to: info@ postcodepublications.com
PO9 &The Havant Community Chest
The chest stepped up to a request for equipment to enable a volunteer group to help people in need of assistance with their gardens, by linking them with a PO9 supporter for the first time to bring resources to meet a worthy cause. A Winnicott of Rowlands Home Hardware responded magnificently to our request and provided the tools. They will be formally handed over to the volunteer group at the PO9 launch event on 2 March. Janet Duggan said “I would like to thank Rowlands Home Hardware and the PO9 Community Newspaper for making this happen. This will give the Havant Volunteer Group the tools it needs to do the job!” Many thanks also to our PO9 official photographer; Paul Burrows, who also provided his voluntary services to record the event at Rowlands Castle. Paul (who suffered a catastrophic fire in his studios recently which you can read about in PO9) wants to continue his business and helping Pictured from left to right : A Winnicott, PO9 Sales Manager the community out of his Rob Paul Studios Alan Westbrook and Janet Duggan of the Volunteer Centrea in East Street, Havant.
Nelson looks back to Victorian times
By our principal supporter Southern Water Schoolchildren from Havant and Portsmouth are being taken on a journey beneath the streets to investigate the deep, dark world of the sewer network that serves the area. An education programme developed by Portsmouth Football Club’s Study Centre and Southern Water is being rolled out, showing children just what happens every time they flush the toilet or pull out the plug. With the help of club mascot Nelson, it looks back to Victorian times, when the first sewers were constructed and how the system has been developed to serve the local population today. In particular the programme raises awareness about the problems caused when the wrong things are put down the drains such as fats, oils, greases and non-biodegradable products including baby wipes, cotton buds and nappies. The programme was launched by the Mayor of Havant, Ken Smith at Budds Farm Wastewater Treatment Works. Pompey’s Linvoy Primus and Southern Water’s Communications Director Geoff Loader ... continued on page 2 Corporate Partners SWAINandco-120x80_120x80 08/02/2012 13:10 Page 1
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Southern Water Works Continued from page 1… It is one of only two sewage works in the country that removes nutrients such as nitrogen using a four stage Bardenoho Process. This means that the water released back into the Solent is cleaner than ever before and the removal of nitrogen helps to reduce the formation of algal blooms. During periods of heavy rainfall the flows to Budds Farm and Eastney Pumping Station significantly increase as rainwater enters the sewers and during storm conditions up to 200 million litres of water can be treated at Budds Farm. Storm tanks at Fort Cumberland and Budds Farm hold the stormwater until the rain subsides and it is returned to the works for treatment. However, during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall and flash flooding, these tanks can fill up and there can be a need to release water to avoid the sewer system from becoming overwhelmed and causing flooding of homes, businesses and the environment. On such occasions water is released through designated outfall pipes. These are pipes that the Environment Agency has agreed Southern Water can use during storm conditions and emergency situations to reduce heavily diluted wastewater, generally 99.98% rainfall and 0.02% sewage flowing into the sea to prevent flooding. Within the Portsmouth and Havant area there are four main outfalls. The long sea outfall from Eastney Pumping Station, the outfall from Fort Cumberland and two outfalls from Budds Farm into Langstone Harbour. These legal outfalls are monitored and local agencies are notified when they are used. Southern Water is developing plans for a £10million improvement scheme at Fort Cumberland this is due to be complete by the end of 2013.
CALLING ALL WALKERS! We have lots of lovely walks around our area, for dog walkers and those who just want to go for a quiet walk to appreciate the environment or just for the exercise. Yet many of them are not well known. A small group of us want to produce a pamphlet showing the walks that are available with one map showing where they all are and then descriptions and directions of each individual walk. But we need your help. We’ve got the money to print it, so what we need now is the descriptions of the walks themselves. If you have a walk you like please get in touch with us. Ideally we would like to provide a quick sketch map showing the starting point and the route to follow (and if you want to add notes of interesting features so much the better), but we will do it from what you tell us if you prefer. You will be giving pleasure to a great number of people, and we will dedicate each one we use to the author so you will even get a little bit of recognition! If you can help do get in touch at havantwalks@gmail.com.
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Cricket Club OFFERS YOUTH a Chance to Shine in 2012...
Havant Cricket Club will be providing many opportunities for juniors to play the sport in 2012. The club begins its winter training sessions in February offering 10 weeks of coaching for children between the ages of 7 and 15. These sessions will be held at Havant College on Saturday mornings, with further details to be released on the club website in the upcoming weeks. The club continues its work outdoors in April with training sessions being held on Monday evenings from 5pm, with matches every week for U11,U13 and U15 age groups. The club also actively participates in U9 tournaments later on in the summer. As a focal point of the community, the club will be continuing to give children the opportunity to play the sport. Last week, the club won a sponsorship from the Cricket Foundation and Hampshire Cricket Board to provide coaching sessions in local primary schools as a part of the Chance to Shine scheme. If any schools are interested, please email: hoppy1989@hotmail.co.uk for further details. The club will also continue to be the base for StreetSport Cricket, the local free for all cricket program run by coaches at Havant CC for those who do not necessarily get a chance to play cricket during school times.The program features: Mini-Games, Kwik-Cricket, and many team based activities. This program runs during the Summer half-term holiday and Summer Holidays at Havant Park. To find out more about our prospering club, check out our website at www.havantcc.play-cricket.com and come and enjoy a summer of cricket with us!
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The proposed 80-bed budget hotel and family restaurant development on the field East of Langstone Technology Park (LTP) sees the private sector bidding to invest in our area, creating employment and generating income for the local economy…now surely that has got to be a good thing?
I am taking this opportunity to share the plans for the development as they happen, openly communicate about the development bid and strike up a dialogue with the local PO9 community about what I see as the positive impact this will have. There is a proven shortage of budget beds in the immediate area and I am confident that this Travelodge will complement rather than compete with the range of accommodation already available. At the end of the day let the competitive market decide. You may ask, why Langstone? Well from a business point of view, a hotel is required on a successful business park.Today at LTP we have 35 businesses that employ around 3,500 people. I talk to these businesses on a daily basis and know that many have overnight accommodation demands and at the moment, we lose this income to adjoining towns Here we have the ability to do something about this. I also believe that we are the right company to be driving the development. Fasset is based at Langstone, employing 100 local workers, so has a vested interest in ensuring that the development showcases the knowledge and expertise we have based here. We use local contractors where possible and have experience in delivering property projects that are fully compliant and done to the highest specification. I am sensitive to the local community and have taken on board their concerns which we will address through the planning process. But over and above this, I see this as a fantastic opportunity for Havant, bringing in jobs and income to help the future of our local economy. Follow the development and join in the conversation: @garymedlow #EastLangstone www.fasset.co.uk
Legal Q&A with Swain & Co Solicitors with Nicola Whitley
Havant residents can now find a home for their unwanted or old prescription glasses....
Specsavers, located at 34 West Street, is running a glasses recycling scheme to help people in developing countries, through Vision Aid Q: Do I have any say in important Overseas. The recycled glasses will be checked and logged before being decisions affecting my children if I’m no sent to specialist clinics and volunteer groups in the developing world to longer in a relationship or living with be dispensed to people in need. the mother? Store director, Bill Vance, says: ‘Eyecare is something that we take for A: If you have Parental Responsibility (PR) you must granted in the UK because there is an optician on most of our high streets. be consulted about decisions such as education, For many people though this is not the case. In some countries children religion or medical treatment. are unable to finish their education, parents cannot work to support A mother automatically has PR but a father has this their families and grandparents have never seen their grandchildren. In only if married to the child’s mother when the child some of these cases all they need is an eye test and some glasses.’ was born or he has acquired legal responsibility by Specsavers has worked with Vision Aid Overseas for a number of jointly registering the birth with the mother (for years, providing the charity with a wealth of support. Most recently, children born after 1 December 2003 only), has stores throughout the UK have collectively raised more than £250,000 the mother’s agreement or a Court order. to fund Zambia’s first ever School of Optometry. Consider putting PR in place in case the relationship breaks down and you are excluded Vision Aid Overseas’ next objective is to establish Vision Centres in from decision making. each of the nine provinces in Zambia. Specsavers stores are working An agreement can be reached with the mother’s consent and recorded on a Court towards raising a further £300,000 to implement the development form which states you are the father. programme. To donate any old or unwanted glasses to Vision Aid Alternatively, consider making an application for a Court Order to define your Overseas or to book an eye examination, SWAINandco-120x80_120x80 08/02/2012 13:10 Page 1 please visit Specsavers Havant involvement in your child’s life. or call 023 9249 8490
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Shop local and support the future of your town centre By Peter Hammond
PO9 was born and bred in Neros – now known as ‘the office’. We give grateful thanks to Linda and her team of Baristas for the many cups of coffee and tolerance of our long occupation of the easy chairs.
HISTORIC VIEWS... By Peter Hammond Those of you who visit The Spring Arts Centre and Musuem, or collect parcels from the Post Sorting Office, or just passing by, may have noticed the photographic display of old images from Havant town on windows in the former town post office. Resident complaints to Havant Borough Council about the untidy look of the windows resulted in the Post Office Services agreeing to allow the Council to display the photographs, which have received many favourable comments. It’s worth a visit and you can also see the rare site of the coat-of-arms of King Edward VIII on the façade of the Post Office building, who abdicated in1936 to marry the American Wallace Simpson.
Academic studies and the business press have highlighted the importance of the independent retailer to the future of Britain’s high streets. Mary Portas (Mary Queen of Shops fame) has also recently produced a report for Government in which she champions the independent retailer. In these difficult economic times, with increasing numbers of high street national chains closing, successful town centres are becoming increasingly dependent on the individuality of our local independent retailers to support the nationally known shops in our town centres and help create a thriving and attractive place to shop and visit. For instance, in Havant Town. the many independent retailers offer a specialist service, be it the availability to buy one apple and potato at the local fruit and flower shop or offering specialist products, such as wool, beads or musical instruments at other local independent shops in the town, as examples. However all our shops, be they a small independent or a nationally known store, need your support to keep our town centres as thriving focal points for our communities. Never before has the adage, use it or lose it been so true for the future of our local shops.
New emergency service for domestic violence sufferers in Havant... Solicitors Swain & Co. have set up a 24/7 emergency helpline for Havant people suffering abuse and domestic violence. Specialist Family solicitor Nicola Whitley says: “Abuse is unfortunately very common but now residents can get the protection they and their families need. “One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and two/three women a week are killed by their partners or ex-partners in the UK. “Abuse takes many forms. It can be physical, emotional, financial, psychological or sexual and includes behaviour such as controlling friends, not being allowed out, constant criticism and belittling. “It can be very subtle, happening for many years or just beginning. It can affect people of any age, gender, race, sexuality or wealth. But people don’t have to let it carry on.”
Phone or text the helpline on 07435 969798 or call in to 3-5 South Street between 9 - 5pm weekdays. To mark 60 years of the Queens reign, the Diamond Jubilee will take place over an extended weekend of the 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th June. - Let us know what you are planning over those days; is your street organising a party or even what you were doing on that day 60-years ago?
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youth productions... MADD Variety Show! By Larry Hopgood
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the cream of Havant’s Music Arts and Drama youth talent at the MADD variety show on Sunday March 11th at the Horizon Centre Havant.. The MADD Productions Company, itself composed of young people from the Havant area, will be organizing the event. A dozen or so local Performing and Visual Arts groups will be taking part with a true variety of acts. This is the third of the spring events that MADD Productions has organized in recent years, following on from the successful MADD Live shows held in 2010 and 2011 at Fort Purbrook. Nearly a 1000 people were entertained at these events.
This year it is especially exiting, because the MADD variety show will form part of Havant Borough Councils Creative Days event. Its going to be a busy year for the MADD Productions Team. They are also organizing the finale event for the Rotary Havant School Games to celebrate the Olympics at Staunton Park in June , and will be organising a concert for the Federation of Havant Schools at the Kings Theatre in July. If you would like to come along to the vent or find more about MADD Productions take a look at the website on www.maddproductions.co.uk. The discovery of the wreckage of RMS Titanic in 1985 opened a new chapter in the legend of probably the most famous ship in the world.The incredible images and intriguing artefacts brought back to the surface captivated the world and stirred the creative mind of composer Maury Yeston. With writing partner Peter Stone, they set to work developing a musical based on this most unusual subject. As Maury Yeston says, ‘What drew me to the project was the positive aspects of what the ship represented – humankind’s striving after great artistic works and similar technological feats‌and the dreams of the passengers onboard: 3rd Class, to emigrate to America for a better life; 2nd Class, to live a leisured lifestyle in imitation of the upper classes; 1st Class, to maintain their privileged positions forever. The collision with the iceberg dashed all these dreams simultaneously, and the subsequent transformation of the character of the passengers and crew, had, it seemed to me, the potential for great emotional and musical expression on stage.’ In this centenary year, Denmead Operatic Society presents Titanic – The Musical to commemorate the disaster and all those who lost their lives. The Broadway production opened in 1997, months
before James Cameron’s big budget movie. The musical went on to win 5 Tony awards including Best Musical. Unlike Cameron’s film, Titanic – The Musical focuses on the lives and aspirations of the real people who sailed on the fateful ship. At the heart of the story is the central character – Titanic, herself. The almost symphonic score, full of big choral numbers and evocative solos and duets sweeps the action along. This production will involve a cast of 50; the largest Denmead has ever assembled. We will be accompanied by an orchestra larger than that onboard Titanic. As the reviewer of the New Yorker said, ‘Titanic manages to be grave and entertaining, sombre and joyful; little by little you realize that you are in the presence of a genuine addition to American musical theatre.’ Denmead Operatic Society – ‘Titanic – The Musical’ - June 6th to 9th 2012 at 7.30pm (2.30pm Saturday Matinee) Park Community School Theatre, Havant. Tickets at ÂŁ9 and ÂŁ10 available from 01329 310849
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part of the Billy TraiL closed for two weeks
Kats LtD Building on Success
By Ron Lamont, Havant. Billy trail flooding is hopefully a thing of the past at last well, soon, well, soonish.The photo shows unsuccessful efforts to pump floodwater away in February 2010. Three weeks later, it was a foot deeper. When the railway cutting was filled to make a car park for Town End House, it made a fourfoot high dam across the old railway cutting, and whether by accident or design, no culvert was provided beneath it to deal with drainage, despite it being well-known, even in the days when the trains ran, that this area was prone to getting “splashy” after wet weather. The inevitable flooding caused complaints, and it was eventually decided to deal with it by digging a soak-away with a street-type drain grating. This would have been in the early ‘90s, I reckon. What had sadly not been appreciated was that the flood water was not run-off, but ground-water which typically made its presence felt about a fortnight after heavy weather, not at the time. The “soak-away” therefore acted more like a spring than a drain, making matters worse instead of better.
The good news is that after several years of bitching, we are at last seeing some of our taxes spent on fixing the problem. It looks as if some day soon(ish) we will never EVER have flooding there again. Although the water input which causes the flooding looks roughly equivalent to a garden hose running full time, we are getting an industrial-strength pump in its own little custom pumping station. It will have a twoinch output pipe and will pump the water beneath the bridge and up to the pavement on East Street by the dental surgery, where a receiver has been installed, connected to a new ten-inch storm drain running down almost to Lymbourn Road (you may remember traffic lights in East Street at the end of October 2011 while they dug the road up to put it in – it was put off from earlier in the year so that it could be done in the school holidays to minimise disruption, but it must have then got delayed). Holes and trenches under the bridge now have to be dug and pipework and a sump put in. At the moment, it is hoped to do this the last week of February and the first week of March. The pump will be installed, wired up and commissioned some time later. Maybe it will all be working by Easter.
Kats Ltd. is recognised by Havant Borough Council as being a leading provider of apprenticeships in the area as members of the Havant Learning Partnership. Our main aim is to to actively promote learning programmes throughout Havant Borough which meet the needs of the whole community in order to raise participation in lifelong learning Our office is in Denvilles House, Emsworth Road where there is free parking for 60 cars.
As a small family run business we were delighted with the outcome of our Ofsted visit in August 2009 when we were awarded a Grade 2 and the following strengths were identified: Highly responsive provision to meet learner and employer needs, Good guidance and continuing support, Effective partnership working to promote learning, Clear and effective strategy and mission. Since then we have continued to develop our provision in response to local demand. We had a 100% success rate with our City&Guilds Employability and Personal Development programme funded by Hampshire Learning for adult learners, and 100% success rate for our NCFE Enterprise Programme for 16-18 year olds. Our focus for the next 2 years will be on the development of Apprenticeship Programmes and we are looking forward to working with local employers to improve people’s life chances
Fasset Supports Local Gymnastics Club Harlequins Fasset, the facilities management company behind Langstone Technology Park was only too happy to offer its support to Havant’s Harlequins Gymnastics Club, especially as the daughter of their own Health & Safety Officer is one of their star pupils! Established in 1981, Harlequins provide opportunities for gymnasts of all levels and abilities from recreational fun gym through to a high level of competitive gymnastics. The club is run entirely by volunteer coaches who help each individual fulfill their potential.They run various awards schemes and grading programmes as well as enter competitions at local and national levels. Fasset supports many charities, foundations and clubs and was delighted to make a donation towards much needed training kit. Gary Medlow, Managing Director of Fasset comments: “Sport and recreational fitness is such an important part of growing up as it helps social skills and development. Clubs like Harlequins do a fantastic job as they give youngsters goals and aspirations; and I was delighted to provide some support and wish them every success in the coming year.” Denise Wilkinson, Harlequins commented: “Harlequins would like to say a huge thank you to Fasset. The girls look fabulous in the new competition wear and it has given them great confidence to go out and perform to their best. Harlequins are delighted to receive support and recognition from Fasset and it is extremely important to us that we have our local community and business network backing us. We look forward to a very positive 2012”.
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Imogen Bailey & Evie Slater (both aged 11)
Spring TIME-LINE... By Kate Saunders
By Ann Griffiths
The Havant Arts Centre merged with the Havant Museum in Oct 2009, The refurbishment of the building to create the Spring Arts and Heritage Centre was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council. Supported by the Hampshire Museum Services the Spring is a unique blending of arts and heritage. The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre was lucky enough to receive a grant second of ÂŁ50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop the museum over the next 3 years.This consists of three main projects and smaller ongoing events like Craft 4 Kids every Saturday, talks and heritage open days. The Timeline of the area is the first major part of the project that will be completed. The Spring timeline covers the local area and gives a taste of the history in the Borough of Havant. The timeline was created with the help of three artists : Kirstie Crout, Tom Bennett and Claire Collison, who worked with students from Warblington School. The interactive activities are based on the castle at Warblington, the Victorian work house and the Hayling Billy Line. The multimedia flavor of the timeline with TVs the workhouse bell and the interactives will, we hope, encourage visitors especially families to discover the heritage of the local borough. From the Roman Temple at Hayling island through the years of Industry including tanning, parchment, glovemaking, Scalextric and coming to a halt at the renaming of the Public Plaza our timeline is designed to entice your interest. To encourage you to find out more about the history of the town. The second phase of the project is to install a touchscreen and transfer the data from the timeline and the research room over to an easily accessible kiosk. Supported by the knowledge of the Friends of Havant Museum and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund the timeline will be opened on 29th February 2012. Everyone is welcome to come along see the time line have a go on the interactives, see the exhibition of the project development via photos taken by students at Warblington School and generally celebrate the future of the museum.
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In the summer of 2011 a small team of train buffs and local historians set up a new website in preparation for the fiftieth anniversary of the closure of the Hayling Branch Line in November 2013.The website www.haylingbilly50.co.uk is growing at a steady pace and includes photos, a forum, historic press articles, accounts and items of postal history. Members of the public with long memories and interesting photos are encouraged to post them for others to enjoy. Local newspapers have revealed some gems. In 1895 it was reported that the engine belonging to the Havant and Hayling branch line had left the metals at Havant Station, thereby blocking the line to the Island for several hours.This was the third time that the engine had run off the rails withn ten days! In 1952 when interviewed by the BBC about the proposal to close down the branch line to Hayling Mrs Elliott said, “First issue a cheap day ticket from Hayling. Then there is the filthy condition of the trains. I always feel like taking a vacuum cleaner and a chamois leather so that I can look out at the view.� Hayling Billy 50 is part of Hayling’s Market Trading Initiative and includes a project to restore the remaining semaphore signal at North Hayling and upgrade access to the Billy Trail on the south side of Langstone Bridge. Suggested anniversary events, which will require funding, include a railway related play at Hayling’s Station Theatre, a Heritage Day at The Spring Arts and Heriatge Centre and if possible, arranging with the Museums Service to borrow Alan Bell’s wonderful model of the Hayling Billy. Enthusiasts are even talking of liaising with the IOW Railway to see if a ‘Terrier’ can be brought over for display. Any ideas for events will be welcome.
SET THE CONTROLS FOR THE HEART OF HAVANT... The east end of Havant is fast becoming the districts best kept secret for weekly quality music acts with The Wheelwrights’ Friday night slot this week filled by flawless ‘Delicate Sound of Floyd’, taking the venue by storm with an imaculate reputoir of Pink Floyd tracks that the passer by would enjoy as much as the die hard fan. Keep your ears open for this part of towns’ fast growing music reputation...
The Spring at Havant Arts Centre hosted tribute band ‘Guns 2 Roses’ on the 28th January to an energetic and enthusiastic crowd who were wowed by the bands carbon copy sound, look and mannerisms of the original group. The near capacity crowd were treated to almost two hours of greatest hits including ‘November Rain, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Paradise City’ and controversial fans’ favourate ‘Get in the Ring’. S va D U Ha FIN SCO E T t to
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7
A Watched Pot Never Boils
By Paul Burrows
A watched pot never boils! How true that saying is.We’ve all done it. Put the kettle on and watched while it takes forever to boil.Well, the same can be said of toast: it seems to take forever to cook. And the moment you look away, it burns! For those of you who don’t know me, I am profoundly deaf with a high-frequency hearing loss. Eager, impatient, foolhardy – call it what you will – the truth is, I sliced a tasty hot cross bun early one Sunday evening. Put it in the toaster, and left it to toast all by itself; happy in the knowledge that when done, it would pop up and await my return. I would then load it with lashings of butter to satisfy my munchies craving of the moment. Only it did not pop up, but caught fire instead putting me in serious danger. As I’ve said, it was early one Sunday evening just after Christmas. My photographic studio was in need of some maintenance, and I set about clearing all the contents ready for the painting task ahead. After about an hour of cleaning, I got a sudden attack of the munchies and found a slightly stale hot cross bun in the fridge. Being rather partial to toasted hot cross buns with lashings of butter, I eagerly prepared it and slotted it into the toaster. Now, I hate waiting for things to cook, and they always seem to take forever when I watch them, so I went back to the task at hand and began to paint the studio floor. I had a CD playing in the studio at the time, and got very involved in painting. Next thing I knew, the music had stopped and my phone was ringing. I answered it. It was Michelle who lived above the studio. She asked me where I was, and I asked why? She said, “Because the studio’s on fire!” I said, “But I’m in the studio!” Being deaf I had not heard the fire alarms, and there were no safety devices in place to alert me to the fire. I opened the door and couldn’t see anything but thick, black, horribly acrid smoke. I shut the door quickly, and inwardly panicked. I knew I had to stay in the room, and not venture into the dark, smoke filled hallway, but had no idea where the fire was or how bad it might be. I waited for hours (although in reality it was probably only about five minutes). I called home, but there was no answer. The line was engaged. I called my wife, but had no luck there either. Then I heard someone banging on the front door – loud and very hard. I hoped that it wasn’t a brave passer-by trying to rescue me as I knew the smoke in the hall was lethal. It turned out to be the fire brigade who quickly put the fire out. I was led out, alive, but very shaken. I was safe, with only minor smoke inhalation. The studio was not burnt to the ground, but there was a lot of damage. I had been lucky. The toaster had not popped up and the bun had caught fire. In the aftermath, there was nothing to be found of the toaster, and the hot cross bun was certainly well done! A little while ago my daughter, Kate, passed her driving test, got a small car and then had a little accident. She was very upset, and I reminded her that a car is only a lump of metal. I told her that I was more concerned that she, the squidgy bit inside, was okay. When I got home from the fire, I told Kate how devastating the fire was and described the damage to the studio, and she said, ‘But Dad, at least the squidgy bit inside is okay!” She gave me a hug and I felt just a bit better.
French Knot Studio
haberdashery & creative textile supplies 8 East Street, Havant PO9 1AQ 023 9247 6125
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Is Your Chimney Fire-Safe? By Matt Johnson
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) would like to urge home owners to ensure that their chimney is fire safe. In 2011 the Service responded to around 200 calls relating to chimney fires. Historically Hampshire’s frequency of chimney fires is higher than the national average. In a bid to reduce this, HFRS are reminding homeowners to ensure their chimneys are swept and well maintained before lighting a fire in this cold weather. HFRS have provided some tips to ensure the safety of chimney users, including: • Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers. • Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed. Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained. • HFRS also advise you to get your chimneys swept regularly by professional sweeps from organisations such as the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS). The NACS sweep in Havant is ‘Safer Chimneys’ (email: david@ saferchimneys.co.uk or tel: 023 9247 6458). Some people may wonder how often they should get their chimney swept. The answer, as provided by HMRS, lies in the type of fuel you use: • Smokeless coals - At least once a year • Wood - Up to four times a year • Bituminous coal - Twice a year • Oil - Once a year • Gas - Once a year • Visit www.hantsfire.gov.uk/yoursafety for further information.
The Cantemus Choir Havant...
meets Tuesday evenings at Bedhampton Methodist Church. Our next concert, in Emsworth: March 24th: St James’s Church Emsworth: Easter Concert “Ash Wednesday to Easter”. Cantemus Choir sing Easter music and Faure’s Requiem. Tickets £8. Enquiries: 023 9246 3531 cantemus_havant@yahoo.co.uk www.cantemushavant.moonfruit.com
The ‘Post Office’ Yews... Should they stay or should they go? What should take their place? These questions have raised some strong emotions. Why are the questions being asked at all? We-ee-ell, the real reason in my view is that there is no budget for maintaining highway trees beyond basic safety and legal requirements – there is no money for trimming, pruning and shaping to maintain the visual amenity – Hampshire County Council has no budget, and Havant Borough Council is not responsible for trees on highway land. As a result the trees have got out of hand, and are just periodically cut back to clear the carriageway. To save the costs of this and because it would improve line-of-sight safety at the exit from Beechworth Road, Hampshire County Council proposed to fell them and replace with one London plane. Some thought this might be a good idea, as it would let buses and would-be passengers see one another, and the trees were ill-maintained, over-dominant and an eyesore anyway. Many others felt passionately that trees were first, that the green splash in a bare winter was a real part of the area’s character, and that something deeply loved was perhaps to be wrenched away. Much passionate debate ensued, naturally without
consensus – other than that no members of the public wanted a plane. Against this tide of anguish, Hampshire County Council felt obliged to do the absolute minimum for the moment, which was to remove a bit of ivy and tie some wire round the trees to keep the road clear At the end of November Hampshire County Council applied again (APP/11/01833) to fell the trees, with replant options of Irish yews or a plane.Three weeks later, this application was withdrawn, and what happens next appears to be an open question. The trees themselves? They’re Irish Yews, all descended by cuttings from a chance seedling found in Ireland about two hundred years ago. These examples are maybe 120 years old and were decorative plantings in front of Sherwood House, which was taken down to build the Post Office.What do I think? It hardly matters – I’m happy so long as the urban scene is kept reasonably ship-shape. I think the best solution for the moment would be to remove just the tree on the corner of Beechworth Road. There would still be the winter green of a mature evergreen, road and bus-stop visibility would be improved, and the eyesore of an unsympathetically cut back tree would be gone. Also, the public view
By: Ron Lamont
of the historic Post Office building would be more open and the whole visual balance of the area would (in my opinion) be better. I also think it is a great pity that Hampshire County Council lacks a budget for the preservation of the vital visual amenity of our urban trees on highway land. I have presented the facts and issues as I understand them – I apologise if I have made any errors or omissions, and would ask that no-one takes offence – none is intended.
LOCAL OLYMPIC PHYSIO... Havant Rugby Football Club is the largest and most successful Rugby Club on the South Coast, and are in National 3 London & SE for 2010-11. We currently run 5 senior teams; our first XV play in National League 3 London, Dolphins (2ndXV) in the Hampshire 2XV Senior Merit table, our AXV in the Hampshire Merit One, the Academy play in the Hampshire RFU Colts league and our Mariners, or ‘veterans of the club’, play in the Hampshire Vets cup and are the current holders. This season will see the club trying to build upon our Senior Womens squad. On training nights the club/changing rooms are open from around 6:30 – 6:45pm. Training starts at 7pm and usually finishes between 8:30 and 9 o’clock, training sessions held on evenings are under flood lights: Tuesdays & Thursdays – from 7pm for the 1st/2nd teams, and 6.30pm for the Academy, Wednesdays – AXV & Vets team for a 7pm start. Junior teams train from 6.30pm,Thursday - Womens XV for a 6:45pm start We try to cater for all levels of ability, fitness, age and experience. Any players wanting to join should turn up on a training night, or contact Rugby Manager Rob Matthews on robert.matthews@cornerstonemobile.net or 07867 998337 or , alternatively e-mail the club at havantrfc@aol.com
My name is Natalie Stephenson from Physiological in PO9 and I am looking forward to a really exciting year - I have been selected to join the team of physiotherapists supporting the Olympic Games! You can imagine the selection process was a very stringent one…nerve wracking! I was competing against hundreds of capable physiotherapists across the country and was judged on a range of skills – people skills as well as physio knowledge and techniques. I was so pleased to be selected; not only do I take my skills and some 9 years experience to the Olympics but I will undoubtedly learn so much from it too! Over the next few issues of PO9, I will tell you about my Olympic preparations and introduce a “self help physio” series to help the people of PO9 to be strong, flexible and pain free. In the meantime for tips and guidance visit www.physio-logical.net
Traditional Tree Surgery Known for quality and reliability For any tree or hedge work required Fully qualified & Insured Proud sponsors of the Bedhampton Volunteers
02392 632891-07748807408 16 Marchwood Rd, Havant, Hants PO9 5EE
BodyWorks Hair and Beauty Clinic
023 92 486 116
BodyWorks-Clinic.com
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FASSET RUNNER UP AT LOCAL BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Fasset Ltd was shortlisted in their category along with ten other local businesses all of whom were able to show business growth and success over the last year. Based at Langstone Technology Park, Fasset is currently achieving occupancy levels of approx. 98%, is a significant local employer (over 100 staff onsite); and estimates that in 2011 it invested £15m in the wider green economy. Fasset has also instigated innovative projects like the onsite pre-school nursery and outdoor fitness sessions; continued their support of the Education Business Partnership; achieved a record 92% for overall customer satisfaction; supported community and education projects such as the art show for students at Havant College; and put environmental issues firmly on the agenda with recycling targets and interactive forums. Managing Director Gary Medlow collected the award: “This is a fantastic achievement for Fasset and I am delighted to collect this on behalf of the whole team. We were up against some tough competition from local businesses and so it is a real testament to what we have accomplished at Langstone Technology Park as we continue to prove why we are the premier business park in the South today. Thanks to the judging panel and our supporters across the region. I believe that Fasset is contributing to the economic and business development of Havant and this year so far the signs are all good.”
the top table...
In each edition we intend to feature one of the many restaurants within the PO9 area. For this edition, we visited ‘Chef Sam’, which is located at the Langstone Club on Emsworth Road. The restaurant caters for a maximum of 28 covers and has a comfortable feel with cream covered chairs and french doors leading onto the lawns.
What do you think? Win free bowling at AMF Havant! PO9 is a local paper created by local people and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts and opinions on our first edition. Get online and send us your answers to the questions below so we can build a paper you’ll love to read! 1. What is your gender and age? 2. Why do you read a local paper? 3. What makes you feel part of a community? 4. What do you like about this PO9 publication? 5. What do you dislike about this PO9 publication? 6. What would you like to see included in the next edition? provide your answers by email to
info@postcodepublications.com or www.postcodepublications.com
Please provide your contact details: All complete responses will be placed in a FREE PRIZE DRAW for two free tickets to go Bowling at AMF Havant PO9!
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Choosing from the à la carte menu for starters we picked the red mullet with gazpacho salsa and pigeon with a warm winterberry garlic and beetroot salad. We followed this with duck breast on a potato rosti with a red wine and rosemary jus, and then enjoyed baked fillet of salmon topped with a lemon and herb crust with a tomato butter sauce, vegetables, and cocotte potatoes. We finished with a selection of delicious sweets. A selection of wines are available from £10.50 per bottle. Guests to the restaurant are welcome to use the club bars, if they have booked in advance. Chef Sam’s slogan is ‘Havant’s Best Kept Secret’. We feel that is about to change! Contact Chef on: 02392 49 22 80
communityconnections charities and clubs in PO9...
Havant Camera Club still BTCV Community Groups snapping after all these years... Network With over 15 volunteer run conservation groups in the borough there are plenty Founded over 50 years ago by photographic enthusiasts, the Club provides a facility for residents to develop their photographic interests and talents. Members meet to share their knowledge, discuss each other’s photographs and enter their work in competitions throughout the UK. The flourishing and enthusiastic Club membership has a well deserved reputation for friendliness. The Club still adheres to its original motto: if it ain’t broke why fix it, and holds weekly meetings from September to May on Tuesday evenings in the St John’s Ambulance Hall in Fraser Road, Bedhampton. Full details of the club’s activities can be found on the website at www.havantcameraclub.co.uk. During the summer months, when evenings are lighter, group photographic expeditions are organised around the area. A beginners group enables those starting out in photography to learn how to use their cameras creatively, and the rudiments of image manipulation on computer. The Club organises one or more exhibitions each year to provide members with an opportunity to showcase their work.The major event established over 40 years ago is the annual an Open Exhibition which attracted nearly 2,500 entries last year and as the name suggests, is open to photographers from all over the UK for their entries to be judged by an external panel of top class judges. Membership is open to all. Anyone interested in joining will be welcome to come to two meetings before deciding to join.
of opportunities to get involved in looking after local green space and to learn about wildlife. The groups carry out a wide variety of activities such as coppicing, tree planting, meadow management and scrub bashing. Many of the groups also run events and guided walks such as bat & moth evenings, spider hunts and shore searches. The groups are supported by BTCV through the BTCV Community Network and the Havant Conservation Forum, where groups can exchange ideas, knowledge and resources. For more information about groups near you please contact BTCV on 02380 402593 or email Hampshire@btcv.org.uk
Opening Doors Project...
The Opening Doors Project supports the long term unemployed, people who have mental health issues or lack confidence to find volunteering roles. Within this project last October a group of unemployed volunteers conducted the Urban Challenge. The aim of the initiative was to give a garden make-over to two raised flower beds in Havant Town Centre. Twelve volunteers attended the initiative which also celebrated the national event Make a Difference Day. Richard Sutherland a volunteer attending the event said “Volunteering has helped to turn my life around – I love it”.
Volunteer mentoring with motiv8
What is Sailability ?
Motiv8 is looking for Volunteer mentors to provide one-to-one support to local young people in the community. Once trained the volunteer is carefully matched with the young person, meeting for one or two hours a week. The volunteer mentor provides an informal but supporting relationship as the young person works towards achieving their goals. Becoming a Motiv8 volunteer enables Supported by you to use existing skills and learn new ones. You will receive full training, recognised accreditation, guidance and support. Most importantly you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts will make a difference to a local young person and the wider community If interested please visit our website www.motiv8south.org.uk or email - ben.wing@motiv8south.org.uk
Sailability is a scheme instigated by the Royal Yachting Association (The RYA) to enable people with disabilities to take part in sailing activities.. Langstone Sailability operates at the Northern end of Langstone Harbour, a natural harbour open to the sea at its southern end, but never-the-less, well protected just to the East of Portsmouth. The club is hosted by Langstone Sailing Club whose facilities provide a friendly, welcoming environment allowing everyone to enjoy the social side of sailing and where you will receive an enthusiastic and knowledgeable welcome.
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DYNAMO STILL GENERATING ELECTRICITY Dynamo produces a smash hit performance in St Faiths Church... Les Misérables School Edition - the musical by Alain Boublil based on the novel by Victor Hugo, with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. Although specially adapted for young people and 20 minutes shorter than the original version, it had all the songs from the West End Show. Enraptured audiences thrilled to the many well know tunes and outstanding acting and singing. All roles - including the very challenging roles of the reformed bread stealer Jean Valjean, the obsessive police inspector Javert and the rumbustious innkeeper rouges Thénardier and his wife still cheating customers at the inn, were superbly performed entirely by students. Orchestrations by John Cameron made the production a truly uplifting musical experience with the ‘Band’ secreted on an elevated platform tucked into a corner of church. St Faiths Church will never be the same again following its new found use as a theatre venue. This use reinforces the objectives of bringing the building into more community use, and the packed sell-out attendances at all performances showed how popular the idea is. The Dynamo Youth Theatre is celebrating its 30th Anniversary year! Founded in 1981 to provide drama opportunities for 11 18 year olds out of the school environment, Dynamo soon established in Havant as a high quality youth performance theatre. Dynamo has performed nearly 100 shows giving enormous opportunities for personal growth to more than 400 young people from Havant and surrounding areas they are recruiting so if you’re interested get in touch. Dynamo moved to St Faith’s Church Hall in 2009 having outgrown the facilities of The Spring Arts Centre where they were based for most of their history, although still performing shows at The Spring. Although the church hall is a great resource, Dynamo desperately needs a permanent dedicated headquarters to expand to include 7 - 11 year olds, as well as providing more rehearsal space, space to build sets and storage. It would be a huge help if any PO9 readers could identify a suitable building.
Crew
(continued) Properties Jayne Green, Marion Howe and Debbie Seall Health and Safety Barbara Haward Lighting design and operator Jon Meyer Sound design and operator Brent Milner Deputy sound operator Chris Mould Lighting programming Tom Pierce Set design Graham Frost Set construction Ali Copeland, Graham Frost, Kevin West, Hugh Cairns, Dan Stroud, Mal Sturgess, Nick Haward, Bryan Rough, Ivor Copeland, Ian Brewster, Tim Philpott, Emily James, Tim Caton, Wayne Thomas and Mark Remnant. Stage Manager Bryan Rough, Tony Goodbody, Louise Lynton-Evans and Barry Fletcher Deputy Stage Manager Matt Rawlins Production Manager Mo Whiting Directing team Kate Burrows, Claire Copeland, Jay Jupe, Jess Tier, Rosie Course, Abi Jeffery, Lucy Green, Matt Sturgess, Callum West, Matt Sackman, Pauline West and Andrew Bowker
Cast
Crew
Photography Publicity and Programme Front of House Hair and Make-up Costumes
Paul Burrows, David Burrows Alexander Booth, Lucy Flannery, Tony Goodbody and Jayne Green Jayne Green, Tricia Roberts and the DYT Committee Janice Brewster, Pauline Cobbold, Caroline Crosby, Linda Doyle, Angela Hogarth, Jackie Jennings, Ruth Jennings, Pat Longyear, Lisa Parker, Brenda Phillips, Jo Phillips, Ethel Ray, Steph Roberts, Louise Sawkins, Sally Stroud, Linda Stimpson, Angela Sturgess, Michelle Sturgess, Sarah Sweatman, Sarah Taylor and Jackie Tutt Rosie Searle, Claire Barnes, Zoë Remnant, Kate Walsh, Julia Cairns, Wendy Bailey, Jenny Strudwick and Gaby Course
Jean Valjean Javert Fantine Marius Eponine Cosette Thenardier Madame Bishop of Digne Bamatabois Enjolras Grantaire Combeferre Lesgles Joly Prouvaire Feuilly Duval Le Clerc Plumère Babet Montparnasse Brujon Fauclielesant Foreman Pimp Old Woman Gavroche Young Cosette Young Eponine Farmer Judge Army Officer Major Domo Sailors/Men Constable 1 Constable 2 Nun 1 Nun 2 Victim in Court Body in Sewer
Barney Walsh Jay Jupe Jess Barnes /Anna Philpot Zack Cuthbertson Lizzie Brewster Steph Dickson Rufus Cameron Thenardier Ellie Weaver Chris Thomas Callum Cairns Matt Sturgess Thomas Kate Burrows Callum Cairns Lucy Green Jess Tier Rosie Course Adam Holding Harry Stroud Ben Watts Isaac Watts Robert Laker Archie McKeown Robert Laker Adam Holding Harry Stroud Lauren Cairns Josh Taylor Charlotte Remnant Bea Brewster Lucy Green Ben Watts Jay Jupe Harry Stroud Adam Holding, Harry Stroud, Chris Thomas, Ben Watts and Josh Bennett Sam Fletcher Jack Baldwin Nickie Strudwick Isobel Watts Harry Stroud Sam Fletcher
With
Ellie Aldworth, Alex Aspey, Katy Bailey Chloe Bradbury, Aisling Copeland Claire Copeland, Pippa Copeland Emily Frost, Rachel Hogarth Martha Jennings, Matt Kenny Amy Larham, Kirsty Matthews Erin Offord, Anna Philpot Katie Remnant, Emily Richardson Lauren Rowlands, Catherine Searle Jo Stimpson, Isabel Stroud Matt Sturgess, Jade Sweatman Imogen Walsh, Holly Weaver
Band
Keyboard Keyboard Bass Guitar Lead Guitar Drums
Damiain Lodrick Nick Chandler Jason Edgell Rob Skinner Jem Harris
FOOTBALL CLUB CONTINUES WORK WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS Hawks in the Community work together with a variety of schools.With the backing of Havant and Waterlooville football club and many other partners, including The Football Conference Community Club Development Fund, Havant Borough Council, Guiness Hermitage “Streetsport “and Hampshire Police. We believe that working within our community is very important and our paramount objective is to bring it closer together. Shaun Gale, who is also the manager of the first team and Bobby Hopkinson, one of his players work together to run the community sports program, aiming to involve as many children in the area to participate in sport.Visiting various schools in the area they manage to put on fun and enjoyable sessions to suit all ages, genders and abilities. We also have football courses that run throughout every school break and half terms.
Havant CLUB Celebrates Olympic Year
As the 2012 cricket season fast approaches Havant Cricket Club invites prospective new members, young and old, to contact Geoff Owen on 02392 258636, geoffowen@talktalk.net A warm welcome will be guaranteed!
Havant Hockey Club aims to make 2012 a year to remember. Everybody keeps saying that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we don’t want to miss out David Whittle the ex GB team manager has organized a series of lunches for all sections of the club getting the inside story from both the CEO of England Hockey as well as the GB Performance Director and the Delegate responsible for running the Olympic tournament itself. We are sending a huge crowd to the Olympic test event in May. 2012 also marks the first full year of our Youth and Community coaching programme aimed at increasing level of coaching support to schools. This was initiated with generous sponsorship by Jobsite, and we will be raising more funds over the year to expand this programme in 2013/4. Of course, we also hope to be able to use the new facilities at Warblington before the end of the year, resolving a much needed capacity problem for pitch coaching time. The year got off to a fantastic start. Our under 16 boys team won the national indoor championship in January and our under 18 boys side narrowly lost in the final on penalties. If you would like to find out more about Havant Hockey Club, visit our website at www.havanthockeyclub.org.uk COLTS INDOOR NETS AT HAVANT COLLEGE, 2012: Please note that the 18th Feb is now not available at the College So there are only EIGHT sessions... Feb 4th/11th/25th | March 3rd/10th/17th/24th/31st. Under 11’s 9.30-10.30 | Under 13’s 10.30-11.30 | Under 15s 11.30-12.30 Seniors are welcome on 24th and 31st March from 12.30 to 1.30pm ---------------------------SENIOR NETS AT THE ROSEBOWL 2012: 29th February, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th March, 4th, and 12th April. All from 8 to 10pm
the PO9 area has a strong sporting reputation combined with a proud sporting heritage... we welcome your stories, past and present! email editorial@postcodepublications.com
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HERITAGE in LEIGH PARK On the Street Where We Live is a project that explores the development of Leigh Park from the building of the first houses after the Second World War up to the present day. It is a cross generation project involving residents and former residents, older and young people in sharing their memories and experiences of life on the estate. The project starts with 4 Memory Roadshows in different parts of Leigh Park, including Barncroft Primary School on 21st March and St Clare’s Church on 12th April. These events are open to anyone who wants to come along and take part and share their stories. The Roadshows are FREE and suitable for the whole family to enjoy. Each event will be different, and visitors can look at maps, photographs, film footage and maps and handle objects. There will be art and craft activities and dressing up for children, and lots more. This project is being organised by Making Space in partnership with Leigh Park Community Association and is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Tracy Teasdale Community Heritage Officer, has been appointed to lead on the project and says “I’m really looking forward to working with the residents of Leigh Park and hope that people of all ages will support the project and get involved. The Memory Boxes, Community Map and Film will be an exciting legacy for the future and the more personal stories we can build into them the more they will bring the history of Leigh Park to life.� This project will also include: reminiscence groups in four different locations with different participants; invitations to people to nominate and vote for their local heroes to celebrate achievements; workshops to make four memory boxes which can be borrowed by the community; workshops where participants can make a large community map of Leigh Park; a special Film which documents the whole project which will be screened in Leigh Park Community Centre There are lots of ways for people of all ages to get involved: find out about the history of your area; let us know your story where you went to school, where you worked, what life was like before and after Leigh Park was built; tell us about someone in your community, how it makes you feel proud to live in Leigh Park; volunteer to help out; join in to make the memory boxes, join in to make the community map; interview or film local heroes.
Local children launch new Water Exhibit at Staunton Country Park
Year 7 children from Park Community School were recent VIP’s at the Staunton Country Park as the first visitors to see the new World of Water (WOW) exhibit. Funded by Portsmouth Water as part of an ongoing education partnership with the Park, the exhibit was created by the Staunton Education Team working alongside Portsmouth Water. The exhibit has 10 large information and puzzle boards and an interactive water sphere created especially for the exhibit by INTECH, the Science Centre based in Winchester. WOW is aimed at providing fun water related activities for visitors, especially the younger ones, highlighting the importance water plays in all our lives and how we can all play our bit in using this valuable resource wisely. The WOW exhibit took just over 9 months to complete and the project involved discussions with both teachers and children from local schools ensuring that both the content and style was to their liking. This included inviting local school children to the Park to look at draft proposals before the look and content was settled on. The local community also got involved in naming the water droplet character “Precious�, who was named after a Facebook campaign. Ian Limb, Human Resources Manager at Portsmouth Water said: “We are really pleased with the WOW exhibit and hope that it will help spread the message that everyone can do something to save water now and save the environment for tomorrow.�
Contact: 023 92472491 or email heritage@makingspace.org
A show for PO9 Orchid lovers... Come to the Wessex Orchid Society’s
ORCHID SHOW
Saturday 3 March at Portchester Community School, Whitehart Lane, PO16 9BD 12:00 to 4:30. Free parking – £2 admission – Refreshments available A unique opportunity to acquire unusual plants from a number of specialist orchid nurseries
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From the desk of...
I am Georgina Cook... and I went to Emsworth Primary School after
which I now attend Warblington School and will be leaving in June 2012. While at the school I have become Head Girl, within this role I have many different jobs such as leading a team of perfects and running the meetings. I also have a role of manning the corridors at lunch and break times and assisting students in need. After school hours I may give speeches to future parents, existing parents and governors of the school. While in school I study a range of subjects including English literature, English language, Biology, Chemistry, History, Work Skills, Religious Education, French, ICT and PE. I like practical, hands on approach and really enjoy Science and English. I also attend a college motor vehicle studies course for several hours and go off site to a different school, to study with a mixture of students from my own and Hayling Island School. The picture below is of me meeting David Willetts when he came in to school to see our winning Go4set project team who had designed an innovative concept for a sustainable sports facility for the School and community. I took the opportunity to chat to him about University fees while he visited. He answered all my questions and queries but I am still not too sure how the fees will work for me if/when I go to University. Warblington is a fun, friendly environment in which to learn, and I know that I will miss it once I have gone. All the teachers work well with the students to provide us with the best possible chance of succeeding. While being here I have made many new friends that hopefully I should keep in contact with.The School try to mix us so we are not always within our comfort zone this then pushes us to go on and do well. Once I leave, I plan on going into college to study health and social care as I am aspiring to be a midwife or something within that profession. I then hope to go to university to get my nursing degree, while working in a part time job.
each edition, we feature local jottings from the community...
Warblington School New Warblington School Headteacher, Mrs Julia Vincent... As you may be aware Owen Davies, the Headteacher of Warblington School, retired at Christmas. I am delighted to have been appointed to lead Warblington School into the future. I have previously been Deputy Head at a large south coast school and the Head of The Links College in West Sussex. Warblington School has a lively, vibrant and warm atmosphere and it is my intention to ensure it is at the centre of its community. As part of our enquiry into the concepts of Rights and Responsibilities,Year 8 students at Warblington School have spent some time reflecting on the events of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. They were disturbed to find out that the Holocaust of World War 2 was not a one-off and they raised many challenging questions about how we, in the UK, should respond to acts of injustice in other countries in addition to injustice within our own communities. They felt that acts of remembrance are essential in educating people about the atrocities of genocide and empowering them to stand up to injustice and persecution on behalf of themselves and others. At the end of this unit of work each student prepared a poem, sculpture or piece of art to remember the victims of the Rwandan Genocide. Some of this work will be shared at a ceremony in Havant on Holocaust Memorial Day. By Mrs Mbulo, Head of RE The school has a long tradition of working proactively with its local community and it is my intention that this should continue and indeed develop further. Previous projects have been both enjoyable and rewarding for students and the community. I am particularly excited about the forthcoming Queens Jubilee Celebrations organised by the Warblington and Denvilles Residents Association hosted by Warblington School on 5 June 2012. Other events that the school has taken part in are either detailed here in this publication or on our school website. I am really pleased to say that the dedication, pride and commitment of both staff and students at Warblington School is incredible. Warblington welcomes visitors to the school and I would actively encourage you to come and see us ‘in action’ to gain a true understanding of what a positive and productive school it is.
For more information about the school please visit our website... www.warblington.hants.sch.uk. Havant’s Best Kept Secret!
Havant’s Best Kept Secret! business centre • hava nt
Chef Sam offers quality food at a reasonable price in Denvilles House
Chef Sam’s fine dining menu is created from a range of products sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. Dishes are freshly made and prepared on site using the finest ingredients. A range of events are catered for including birthdays, business luncheons, wakes, weddings and anniversaries. As the festive season approaches Chef Sam and head waitress Danielle are looking forward to welcoming you in to the restaurant to enjoy our new a la carte menu and seasonal fayre. Bookings now being taken.
Denvilles House, 33hours:Emsworth Road, Havant Opening Evenings 6-00pm to 9-00pm Tel: 023 9249 2280 Tuesday to Friday: 12 noon to 2-30pm Saturday: 12 noon to 3-00pm
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Warblington School Students -
Loving, Learning, Living Life! Winter - when the weather is blowing a hoolie, New Years resolutions are making Taking part in enrichment activities is an important aspect of life beyond school for all students at Warblington School. A number of talented individuals have recently performed in the very successful Dynamo Youth Theatre production of Les Misérables, staged at St Faiths Church in the centre of Havant. Warblington School is affiliated to the Church of England and works closely with St Faiths, so the opportunity for so many students to participate in a local theatre company production actually in the church itself was just brilliant. Staff and Governors who went to see the production were incredibly impressed with the professionalism of all performers. Mrs Harrison –Jones, Deputy Headteacher commented ‘I love Les Mis and have been to see it on the West End three times! This production in our local church, with so many Warblington students involved was breathtaking and really quite emotional.’ A group of year 11 girls have recently performed at the South East Hampshire Dance Festival. Nothing particularly unusual about girls performing in a dance festival you may think…..lots of schools took part from the local area. However, Warblington students choreographed the ‘Hairspray’ dance themselves! Managed by PE teacher Miss Chambers, the group made up of mainly BTEC Dance students had just over 3 weeks to come up with the dance concept, choose music and choreography the piece themselves. A fantastic achievement especially considering that some of the girls have never performed in front of a live audience before. Mrs Vincent, the new Headteacher of Warblington School went to see the performance and commented that it was ‘just amazing. The girls were superb. I feel very proud that they have achieved so much in such a relatively short period of time.’ Miss Chambers was keen to praise and reward the girls for taking part in an activity that was really ‘above and beyond’ the curriculum. This dance performance was not part of the BTec dance course – they chose with Miss Chambers to take part in the festival on top of all the course requirements. Miss Chambers said ‘the girls put so much effort in their own time after school into rehearsals for the dance it really showed in the final performance. I have enjoyed working with them all – even though they have spent hours talking about costumes, hair and make up!’
Students at Warblington really do play the most central role in the school itself. Warblington Student Sports Council are currently working towards a programme of activities for Sports Relief; the student voice group are planning an exciting project to market the school and have recently developed a ‘learning styles’ survey to identify learning style preference and shape learning in lessons as a result. Students working with teachers to adapt the way lessons are taught in order to maximise progress and achievement: A very exciting concept here at Warblington. You can see from the work here in this publication that students at Warblington are talented and indeed very creative. I hope you enjoy the poems from our year 8 students. They read these at the Holocaust Remembrance service at the civic offices on Friday 20th January, representing Warblington School with the Head of RE Mrs Mbulo.The article from our Headgirl Georgina Cooke gives you an insight into student’s experiences at Warblington. As Mrs Vincent says in her school introduction, at Warblington we welcome visitors so if you want to know more about us, please visit our website or contact us to arrange a visit to see us ‘in action’. By Mrs Harrison-Jones, Deputy Headteacher
Caring for you in your own home
Denvilles House, 33 Emsworth Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 2SN Tel: 02392 454222 Fax: 02392 478580 info@sisterlycare.co.uk
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howyourgardengrows
in association with
The New Blendworth Centre is a day provision for people with varying degrees of learning difficulties/ The New Blendworth Centre Ltd disabilities. The Centre offers its Users a work Telephone : 023 9259 7443 oriented placement in a semi-sheltered environment Opening times within the Horndean area. Using horticulture and 9.30am - 3.15pm Weekdays grounds maintenance as a medium, in the form of an on-site nursery outlet and out-reach contractual work, we aim to develop and promote individual aims, making friends, raising self-esteem and improve confidence and independence. The Centre Users feel passionately about their “Within the Centre grounds there are many poly tunnels and potting sheds which facilitates the user’s activities, from seed sowing, plant cuttings, potting on, cleaning stock and generally Centre and this is demonstrated by the enthusiasm keeping the nursery and its display areas clean and tidy” each individual User exhibits through-out any one The centre is open weekdays between 10am - 3pm and can be found on Blendworth Lane, Horndean - 023 9257 9443 Centre day.
‘A garden perhaps, more than anything else, is a place to sit and relax, to share a glass of wine with friends... Can the two words sit and relax be true? Can gardening be made easier without the digging, cutting the grass, trimming the hedges? In a word, no... ’ But with careful planning, your garden can give rewards, without the hours of back breaking work usually required. We have a friend who cured his Garden problem in one weekend....He simply concreted it! We have taken a softer approach. ... We will be featuring gardens over the coming editions where our solution, among other things, includes the use of perennials, raised borders, and stone chippings instead of grass. After a glorious season of colour, our perennial centerpiece has died back, and is now no more than a small piece of wasteland. But with a small amount of food over the next month or so, and water when needed, it will once again be the wonderful display that we have had over the last few years, effort and input minimal! - Send us your garden stories to editorial@postcodepublications.com
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Food Hygiene Ratings for Local Restaurants...
The way we were...
Havant restaurants enter the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme for hygiene inspectors to judge and for proprietors to provide consumers with information about the hygiene standards found in their food business establishments.
By Ann Griffiths
“The streets of Havant are generally wide and clean and the houses and high class shops present a well-kept and pleasing appearance”, so claimed Havant Council in its directory of 1912. In East Street alone there were eighteen shops. Leng’s furniture store occupied Victoria House on the corner of South Street, promising “delivery by Motor Van with promptitude and care”. General drapers Douglass and Pearson next door sold “Fitu” corsets, then came Veare’s, a boot and shoe maker, Tom Silverthorne, a tobacconist and hairdresser and Bridger, a master butcher. Mr Trevett was the manager of Barclay’s bank at No. 18. Further up East Street Mrs Pannell ran The Little Brown Jug and Mr Kind traded as a fruiterer and dairyman. The Limes was the home of medical practitioner Dr Gedge, and Miss Matthews had a confectioner’s shop at No. 36. The Town Hall was used for a variety of events. Edwin Cooke a tailor plied his skills at No. 37 across the street, alongside Mr Gardner a gilder and picture frame maker. Albert Stallard was a parchment manufacturer, who lived at Magnolia House.
The purpose of the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is to allow consumers to make informed choices about the places where they eat or shop for food, and to encourage businesses to improve their hygiene standards.The overall aim is to reduce the incidence of food-borne illness and the associated costs to the economy. There are six different food hygiene ratings (up to ‘5’), the top rating represents a ‘very good’ level of compliance with legal requirements and all businesses should be able to achieve this Food hygiene ratings are published on line at www.food.gov.uk/ ratings and businesses are encouraged to display certificates and stickers showing Have you their food hygiene ratings.
spotted any yet?
Dr Levick of No. 21 was a certifying factory surgeon and Mr Farwell sold “smart hats at low prices” from No. 17. The 1911 census reflected changing times with a chauffeur boarding at The Bear Hotel but an ostler and groom living at The Tap in the hotel yard. Between Whittington’s the baker and The White Hart was The Havant Club, which was for gentlemen only but these days also admits women. The photograph includes the family grocer “Collins”, a “fancy repository” and Street’s, which has recently closed awaiting regeneration. This ironmonger’s was rented by John Henry Street in 1896 and purchased by him in 1912. It is to be hoped that the facade now under threat, can be retained and restored to its 1912 appearance when the site is redeveloped.
Citylocal supports local Charities Local online community, Citylocal Havant & Waterlooville, supports local registered charities, giving them a free profile (like a mini website) to promote their good work.
If your Charity is not taking advantage
of this support, please email sally@citylocal. co.uk who will set up your Charity profile with your own login enabling you to add unlimited text, photos in a slideshow, video and full contact details. Visit www.citylocal. co.uk/HavantAndWaterlooville.
Citylocal Havant & Waterlooville also
offer a free Events page…not just for charity events but any event in the local area too!
BELMONT SPORTS THEMED BARBERSHOP “The clean, airy and friendly space is infused with true ‘Sports Memberbillia’ to give the whole place that true sports feel!!!!” 02392-466977
Unit 1 North Street Havant PO9 1PX
27 Belmont Grove Havant PO9 3PT
023 9248 4012
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Havant Sixth Form College Building Programme Rationale 2012 By John McDougall Principal & Chief Executive
The College has had a number of false starts in its ambition to replace the existing campus with a new College build and more recently to refurbish the current estate to a good standard. These plans, as ever, were the casualty of funding shortfalls. This climate of cost reduction will continue in to the foreseeable future, which limits the ability of the College to generate reserves to resource a significant building programme. In recognition of the poor state of many sixth form college campuses, the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) have created a Building Condition Improvement Fund (BDIF) of some £59m for the sector to bid against in order to improve the quality of its estate. Thankfully there is no match funding condition and therefore the College has submitted a £1,6m bid for 3 projects, two of which are for internal refurbishments and one is for a new building (cost circa £1.1m).
Whilst this is a refurbishment fund, the College has met with the head of the YPLA Capital programme to make the case for the removal of 5 Portacabins (currently providing 6 classrooms and 2 social areas) and replacement with a new 6 classroom teaching block. The planning consent for the Portacabins ends in August 2012 and the College has no plans to extend this via a further application: it is also keen to save the £100k per year lease costs. The YPLA are content with our proposal as it will remove category ‘D’ accommodation (anything temporary) replacing it with category ‘A’ accommodation. We are also proposing a reduction in the College’s footprint from 650m2 to 550m2, thus satisfying the YPLA’s condition that the fund is not to be used to fund growth in student numbers: in turn the campus will be more efficient with regard to its occupancy ratio.
A WALK IN THE PARK With a 1,000 acres of landscape parkland, a lake, follies and ancient woodland to explore, with friendly animals to meet on the ornamental farm, and beautiful gardens and glasshouses to discover, there really is something for everyone to make the ideal day out at Staunton Country Park, Havant. For those wanting to get active, Leigh Park Gardens offers the perfect venue for keen walkers, cyclists, anglers and adventure seekers. There are walking trails and a dedicated cycle route, an orienteering course and well stocked ornamental lake.
Spring may seem far away but with these new arrivals to the farm it must surely be upon us!
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Cropley Scooters Unit 1B Kingscroft Court Havant, PO9 1LS
www.cropleyscooters.co.uk
New Indoor Skate Park Opening In Havant... By Matt Johnson
Robert Cropley understands more than most that teenagers need a focus that gives them an outlet for excess energy and provides an adrenalin rush. Without such a focus, things can go wrong as they did for him. Labeled a troublesome teen, Rob’s life spiraled out of control. Now a businessman with a growing company, Cropley Scooters in Havant, Rob is opening PARKSIDE, his new indoor skate park, to give local kids a focus to keep them out of trouble. Rob began to turn his life around when he was given a job as a welder/fabricator. This gave him the skills to establish his own business manufacturing scooter parts. From an eBay shop and the shed in his back garden, Rob now has premises in Havant, big enough to accommodate the new indoor skate park. At PARKSIDE, young riders will learn skills and tricks, safety rules and “skate park etiquette” so scooter riders, BMX riders, skateboarders and bladers can enjoy skate parks safely together.The indoor park means kids can exercise all year round in a sport they enjoy and helps them grow in confidence. The Cropley Scooters team already competes successfully in National Competitions. PARKSIDE will be available to kids from all backgrounds and Rob has already spoken to local agencies and children’s homes to give opportunities to deprived kids. Kids will be encouraged to get their rush through skate park sports, not drink, drugs or crime. PARKSIDE aims to open in March 2012. Find them on facebook: “Havant Indoor Skatepark”
KIDS supports over 1,000 local families with disabled children and young people from its strong Hampshire base. KIDS is a unique charity; there is no other organisation providing such a wide range of services to disabled children and young people irrespective of their disability or medical condition aged 0-25 years. The young people from the KIDS Havant youth projects wanted to work on a fundraising project for their clubs. They decided that everyone could use their artistic talent to contribute to the event. The Art Exhibition concept sparked lots of ideas from all the young people and they have been working hard to create a plethora of pieces for you to enjoy. Many of the pieces were available to purchase. All money raised was put back into the projects, enabling KIDS to continue to support young people to ‘Challenge the world and Live the dream.’
Providing customers real choice with bespoke solutions, flexibility and manufacturing excellence - Visit www.hspplastics.co.uk CNC Machining Oven Forming Drape Moulding Vacuum Forming
Screen & Digital Printing Point of Sale Boat Windows, Plastic Sales Sign Design, Manufacture & Installation
Tel 023 9248 6633 or enquiries@hspplastics.co.uk Havant Signs & Plastics - Walter House, Kingscroft Court, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1LS. Fax: 023 9248 1111
High Quality 2nd Hand Furniture, Beds & Appliances Unit 2 Fulflood Rd, (off Dunsbury Way) Havant, PO9 5AX Tel. 07818 230021 www.charliehouseman.com www.postcodepublications.com
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the creative quarter...
A feature on a local creative mind... This edition we feature local writer Felicity Kay
Biography of Felicity Kay by Ann Caunter Local writer, Felicity Kay, has high hopes 2012 will be the year she gets a publishing contract. I catch up with her at the tail end of a wet and windy dog walk, and we enjoy a cappuccino half hour in Café Nero’s. We’re lucky enough to get the two comfy seats in the window and we look out at St. Faith’s church – the London Plain trees still draped with Christmas lights – while we stir our frothy coffee. “This is the year!” she says. Felicity Kay: writer, mother, teacher. She’s written two novels, many poems (some of which are published) and several short stories. Her first novel ‘Uncumber’ earned her a distinction in her MA at Bath Spa University; her open-mic performances delight audiences in Southsea, Havant and Alton; and she was recently short listed for the Lightship First Chapter Prize for her second novel ‘Strange Fish’. Printed here, we have an example of both her poetry and her prose. Below, the poem, ‘Popcorn Tree’, one of a collection of poems inspired by the landscape of the shore and the people she meets on her long walks. To the right, a short extract from her novel ‘Monster Fish’ in which, Gerald – the main character and all round strange fish – worries about the prospect of telling his mother he’s going on holiday for a week.
Strange Fish Gerald swallows his latest kill without chewing. Although he has a fine set of teeth, sharp pointed ones along his upper and lower jaw and an extra set forming a ridge in the roof of his mouth, he knows not to chew. Instead, he rinses his mouth with a little water. For a second or two, he watches the darkening surface of the lake and then he propels himself silently back to his station. “I can’t do it,” he says to himself. He turns to the stove and stirs his latest masterpiece. Prune and red-wine sauce. The purple liquid is simmering away in a small copper pan. “It’s no good,” he says. “She won’t like it.” He’s standing in the kitchen of the County Hotel, three paces in front of the pastry table, a little left of the sink. He closes his eyes and drifts back into the dark water, all the way down to sixty feet deep. Here, he waits, and enjoys the sensation of cooling blood only to be found in the middle and lower levels of the lake. But he can’t wait for long. The oxygen content of the water down here is low and he needs to get moving or he’ll suffocate.Trapped between the Devil and the deep, he tells himself as he swims closer to the warmer water thirty feet from the surface. He tastes the sauce. “She won’t like it,” he says again, and licks the back of the wooden spoon. “Besides, it’s Friday. I should’ve told her on Wednesday. If I’d told her when Charlotte first mentioned it, I might’ve been able to go.” Suddenly, a young Char moves in the water up ahead. It’s late in the day but there’s just enough light left to see the distinctive outline and he weighs up his chances. He darts towards the unsuspecting fish and attacks. He snaps open and shut his mouth before his prey even has time to realize what’s going on and then he hangs motionless in the water, the head of his prey lodged in his throat, its tail flapping against his lips.
Popcorn Tree Pre-dawn on Hart’s Farm marshes, grey sea, grey sky, grey me, I saw a woman with a barrow spreading popcorn beneath a tree. Her clothes in holes and gaffer-tape patching up her boots, she gathered handfuls of the stuff and aimed it at the roots. “I’m Woebegone and Raggedy-Anne,” she said, and pressed her cheek against the bark. “Please send me wealth, let fortune fall and light this dreadful dark!” Low and wet lie the fields on the marshes, wide and high is the dome of the sky, not a thing to obscure the horizon between the tree and the woman and I. Well – at first I thought the woman strange and felt inclined to scorn her desperate prayer, her rapt embrace, her eiderdown of corn. But then I thought I too am poor my pockets filled with fluff and mad or not her prayer might work I’ve heard of stranger stuff. 22
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So – “Hello,” I cried and she replied, “Hello,” as kindred do, and I moved closer to the listening tree “Please send me gold, please do!” Low and wet lie the fields on the marshes, wide and high is the dome of the sky, not a thing to obscure the horizon between the tree and the woman and I. Minutes passed and we remained whispering, “Wealth,” to the listening tree, ‘til the words became like a heart-beat, weird accompaniment to the sea. And slowly the world was forming gaining colour and shape as we spoke, until the bright sun split the horizon and “Wealth, wealth,” pulsed the heart of the oak.
In the next edition, we will feature the work of local artist George Brett
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“Wealth, wealth,” beat the wings of the sea birds as they welcomed the returning sun “Wealth, wealth,” sang the breeze in the yellow grass beneath the benevolent one. Wide and high is the sky on the marshes, and quiet now the woman and I knowing there is no gold in the heart of the oak because the gold is all up in the sky.
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PO9 in pictures
email us your pictures of PO9 to editorial@postcodepublications.com
a collections of pictures taken by our readers whilst out and about in PO9...
Langstone Harbour at First Light, Christmas Eve 2011, by John Dyer Jnr by Ron DeAth
Morning Mist, Leigh Park Gardens 2011, by Ron DeAth
‘Good Morning Havant...’ by John Dyer Jnr
F. O’ REILLY & SON serving Havant since 1934
Independent Electrolux Dyson Retailer Agent ►New electrical appliances ►Spares for most makes ►Onsite servicing & repairs ►Aerial & Freeview installation Large selection of Roberts radios & DAB radios always in stock Professional and friendly service assured
7 Market Parade, Havant. PO9 1PY.
Tel 02392 470581
PRINCE GEORGE DENTAL PRACTICE Mercury Free Dentistry 1 Prince George Street Havant Hampshire PO9 1BG Phone: 02392 781008 E-mail: desk@princegeo-dental.co.uk
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