ERF NEWSLETTER NO 24 May 2025
Editor: David Harris editor.theems@outlook.com
Emsworth Community Centre
Update on the ECC fire repairs and progress
We are now open for business, however, The Assembly rooms are closed until further notice and we only have only half of the car park in use, so please if you can use other means of travel or if you can park in the other car parks available to you we would very much appreciate it. We are hoping that the library will be able to reopen soon.
The Galley Cafe is open again on a Tuesday and Friday morning 10 -12. Tech Aid will start after the Easter Holidays on 23rd April.
The Centre Cinema remains open
Films for a Fiver – you can now book films online from our website and Facebook page. The next film listing for May/June 2025 (see the website for all details and to watch the trailers):
A Complete Unknown , 12 May 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm
Maria 9 June 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm
Full details and a trailer of these films can be found on our website. Tickets can be purchased online and at the Office reception in the Community Centre.
Other social events this quarter are:
Sound Bath 16 May, Come along and be immersed with a range of vibrational instruments. Contact Pauline Lympany for all details pauline@htdrumming.co.uk.
Cyber Scams awareness 18 June,
The Cyber scamming team from the Police are giving a free session to show awareness to help keep you safe. Come along to the Community Centre and become aware.
Tabletop Sale 26 July, Summer tabletop sale. More information on the website soon.
Antiques Fair
The second Sunday of every month starting 13 April at 10am; entry costs £1.
VE day celebration on 8 May
Emsworth Residents Forum is working with Wemsfest and the Emsworth Community Centre to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. (The end of the Second World War in Europe). The Andy Beaumont Big Band will be playing music by wartime band leader Glen Miller from 7pm on 8 May at Emsworth Community Centre. Tickets available from Wemsfest, Bookends, and the Community Centre. Dress in period costume (optional).
Licensed bar (sadly not at 1945 prices)
Tickets £15 per person.
Any profit from this event will be donated to a Veteran's Charity. Tickets available from the Community Centre and Bookends and on-line at ticketsource https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/axzexelwqyle
This concert is brought to you by Emsworth Residents Forum & Wemsfest.
Check the website www.emsworthcommunitycentre for all future events. We are also contactable on email on Info@emsworthcommunitycentre.org.uk or you can call us on 01243 373805 10:00 -14:00. We are located behind the Fire Station on North Street, Emsworth, through the public car park into Emsworth Community Centre’s private carpark.
Council News
Local County Council elections postponed until May 2026
The County Council elections scheduled for 1 May 2025 in Hampshire and West Sussex have been postponed until 7 May 2026. Elections for Strategic Authority mayors will also be held in May 2026 with elections for the new Unitary authorities being held in May 2028 (to be confirmed)
Timetable for elections
Mayoral and County Council elections, Hampshire and West Sussex: 7 May 2026
HBC elections for 1/3 of councillors: 7 May 2026
HBC elections for 1/3 of councillors and Chichester District Council elections for all councillors: 6 May 2027
New unitary authority elections: 4 May 2028? www.hants.gov.uk/devolution
Development
Permission sought to convert old doctors surgery into a school Planning application APP/25/00249 seeks the proposed conversion (and associated works) of 2.5 storey building to form a charitable educational facility. Construction of a two-storey 'Real World Learning' building replacing currently permitted 2-storey café. Construction of single storey educational 'pods'. North Street House, 6 North Street, Emsworth, PO10 7DD
Building a Better Future – Have your say …
Would you like to help us shape the future of Havant Borough? Do you have ideas or concerns about our environment, housing or town centres?
Now is your chance to view and comment on the Draft Building a Better Future Plan for the development of the borough of Havant.
This Plan – otherwise known as the Local Plan - sets out how the council will decide, manage and shape development in our borough and includes proposed sites for This consultation is live between Tuesday 6 May and Tuesday 1 July 2025. To view the Draft Building a Better Future Plan and to submit your views from 6 May, please go to www.havant.gov.uk/localplan
Anyone who would like to speak to council officers or ask questions about the plan is welcome to attend one of the face-to-face exhibition events we’re holding across the borough throughout May and June. The Emsworth event will be on:
Thursday 15 May 2025 – Emsworth Baptist Church, 3pm to 7pm For more information and to sign up for future updates on the Local Plan, go to: www.havant.gov.uk/localplan.
Work starts on gas holder site
Specialist contractors, VHE, have begun work to remediate the former gas holder site in Palmers Road. The site is owned by SGN and it is believed that once the work has been completed the site will be sold for redevelopment.
Health
Westbourne Branch Surgery to close
The GP Partners at the practice have arrived at the decision to propose the closure of the Westbourne Branch Surgery located at The Square, Westbourne. The proposed date of closure is 27 June 2025. If you have any comments, concerns or queries please contact either through the link on the page about the Westbourne Surgery closure on website, www.emsworthmedical.co.uk or by email at hiowicb-hsi.westbourneproposal@nhs.net or write to The Westbourne Surgery Liaison Team, Emsworth Medical Practice, North Street, Emsworth, Hants PO10 7DD.
Editor: A petition to save the Westbourne Surgery is being organised by Westbourne Parish Council. See website for details: www.westbourne-pc.gov.uk/
Business news
Old Pharmacy closes
The Old Pharmacy at 57 High Street, Emsworth closed on 26 April. The business has merged with Emsworth Pharmacy, West Street. The former Old Pharmacy does not appear to be advertised on any commercial property websites nor is there any current planning application for the site.
The Deck
In the Spring 2025 edition of The Ems we stated that the Deck had briefly closed in January and then re-opened under new management. We have been asked to clarify that Ed Collison sold the business last summer and the new proprietor made the business insolvent as in January 2025 and that Mr Collison was not responsible for the closure of the restaurant.
Charity shop to move premises?
The Revitalise charity shop at 28B High St closed on 7 March. Planning application APP/25/00203 has been submitted to erect a new Sue Ryder sign above the shop. The unit is currently occupied by Emsworth Heating who also use the adjacent unit.
Youth
Young People Day
The next Young People Day is planned for 31 May 2025 and will follow the usual format as this has proved to be very popular. We are in the early stages of planning activities in the summer holidays. These are likely to be one morning each week in the Recreation Ground featuring lots of fun activities. youth.erf@gmail.com
ERF PUBLIC MEETING DATES
All residents are welcome to attend our public meetings which are held at Emsworth Community Centre, North St, Emsworth.
Thursday 5 June 2025
5.30 pm Doors open, refreshments available 6 pm -7 pm Information Session on proposed Emsworth Town Council
A chance to meet with others, gather more information and have a discussion on the pros and cons of developing our own local council 7 pm -7.30 pm ERF Annual General Meeting. The agenda, accounts and report etc will be sent out to all members by email closer to the date
7.30 pm -9 pm Presentation and discussion on the Local Plan and local issues
Special guest speaker: Cllr Phil Munday, Leader of Havant Borough Council.
Dates for your diary
Emsworth Arts Trail
This annual event will continue to take place at a number of venues across Emsworth from 3 -5 May 2025. . https://emsworthartstrail.org.uk/
Discover Emsworth's Choir - Village Voices
Our next concert will take place at Southbourne Village Hall on Saturday 14 June at 7.30 pm, and we would love to see you there. emsworthvillagevoices.org.
Solent Male Voice Choir To Sing at Waterlooville Music Festival
The ever popular Solent Male Voice Choir (SMVC) have been chosen, along with the Cascades Chorus, a ladies barber shop choir, to sing at the Waterlooville Music Festival on Thursday 12th June at 7.30 pm. SMVC will be singing the first half of the concert. There will be a mixture of traditional male voice music, including songs in Welsh and hymns, and some newer music which has been arranged by their MD Huw Thomas. www.solentmalevoicechoir.org
Health and Wellbeing Fair
On Friday 20 June from 10 am – 12 noon Alan Mak MP is hosting his annual Havant Constituency Health & Wellbeing Fair at Emsworth Baptist Church.
ERF/THE EMS NEWS
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