ERF NEWSLETTER NO 26 July 2025
Editor: David Harris editor.theems@outlook.com
Should Emsworth become a Town Council?
Local government reform means that Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council will be abolished by 2028. It is likely that Emsworth will then become part of a Greater Portsmouth unitary authority of about 500,000 people. Emsworth Residents Forum (ERF) believes the best way to make sure local services meet the needs of local residents will be by becoming a Town/Parish Council. The Forum feels strongly that it is for residents to be fully involved in this discussion. Hence the ERF will work closely with residents to gauge the interest in Emsworth becoming a Town/Parish Council.
Emsworth Residents Forum launches a petition to find out if residents are in favour of creating a town council
The petition follows the ERF annual meeting on 5 June 2025 when members voted for a programme of consultation with residents and, if there is a positive response from more than 7.5% of the Emsworth electorate, to request a community governance review from Havant Borough Council.
Don’t Delay. Sign the Petition for a Town Council Today
Emsworth Residents Forum (ERF) urges everyone to support the creation of a Town Council by signing the petition. If enough residents sign the petition, the Borough Council must launch a formal review. This would include wide public consultation and could lead to elections for a new Town Council as early as May 2027. Full details and a paper copy of the petition will be in the Summer edition of The Ems To sign the petition scan the QR code at the end of the newsletter.
Public Meeting: A Town Council for Emsworth?
Come join us for an important community workshop on Monday, 21 July 2025 7:00 pm (refreshments from 6.30pm)
Emsworth Baptist Church
Led by the Hampshire Association of Local Councils, this session will explore what a town council could mean for Emsworth. We will discuss how it could operate,
Let’s shape Emsworth’s future—together
Development
Long Copse Lane is saved?
In an unexpected turn of events planning application APP/21/00893 for 210 houses at Long Copse Lane was withdrawn on 23 June by developers, Land and Partners. The application was submitted back in August 2021 and consisted of 261 documents which were lodged on the HBC planning portal. Over 650 people objected to the application which appears to have become grounded back in early 2024 when the last documents were posted. Long Copse Lane will remain in the Havant Local Plan as a potential development site and it is possible that another developer may try to take this site forward. Land & Partners were asked to comment by The Ems.
Council says no to five houses at Long Copse Lane
It was a double delight for local residents when planning application APP/24/00987 for 5 houses at Long Copse Lane was refused.
One Church gets approval to build a new meeting hall
Planning application 25/00792/FUL has been approved by Chichester DC for One Church (formerly known as New Life Church). The church wishes to demolish the existing church meeting hall and temporary reception structure and replace it with a new church hall building, landscaping car parking and associated works. (Variation of condition 2 of permission 22/02787/FUL - installation of 50 no. photo voltaic (PV) panels on the roof). One Church, Main Road, Southbourne.
Bloor Homes to build 2000 houses at Southleigh site
Local residents and the ERF were surprised to receive an invitation at very short notice to a consultation event by Bloor Homes which was held on Friday 13 June at Emsworth Baptist Church and on Saturday 14 June at Stride Centre, Denvilles. The flyer, which was sent to some homes, included a map which shows that the intention is to completely fill in with houses the gap between Havant and Emsworth. www.bloorsouthleigh.co.uk
The event in Emsworth was well attended with Bloor filling the hall with several display panels highlighting the proposed development. Bloor do not intend to build a spine road to link the estate to the A27. Their information indicated that all traffic would feed out of the estate onto Eastleigh Road and Southleigh Road. They estimate that the proposed 2000 houses will lead to an extra 3000 cars using local roads.
Local Government reform
There appears to be no consensus as to how to take forward the ideas of merging local councils. A group of 12 authorities have put forward these proposals
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2ly25d8p3o Havant BC is inviting residents to complete their own survey
https://ourplaceourfuture.commonplace.is/ Hampshire CC have also put forward 4 options
https://www.hants.gov.uk/News/20250616LGRoptions
Wemsfest
9th Beer, Cider & Wine Festival Will Go Ahead
Despite damage to the roof of Emsworth Community Centre the 9th Emsworth Beer, Cider & Wine Festival, organised by WemsFest, will go ahead as planned from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September. WemsFest Director Mark Ringwood explained, 'We can't use the Assembly Hall but we can use additional rooms within the Centre as well as a large tent outside in the Courtyard area which will offer weatherproof accommodation. We plan for up to 30 cask-conditioned ales plus ciders, and wines from two local vintners. The ales will range in price from £3 per pint upwards and a complimentary drink, programme, and souvenir glass is included in the ticket price of £12.50, which has remained the same for the past 6 years. Once again all proceeds will go towards our educational work which this year will feature a 6-piece band from Cuba taking part in schools workshops, and public performances in October as part of Black History Month.’’
News from St James’ CEC School
Join Our Governing Board as a Co-opted Governor
Are you passionate about education and eager to make a meaningful contribution to your local community? St James’ School is looking for two new co-opted governors to join our dedicated governing board.
About the Role
As a co-opted governor, you will work closely with the head teacher and governing body to ensure the school provides the best possible education for its pupils. You will help shape the strategic direction of the school, hold leadership to account, and ensure sound financial oversight.
We are particularly looking for candidates who can bring strong financial skills to the board, though this is not essential so please don’t let it deter you. You will be expected to attend around nine meetings per academic year, plus occasional school visits and training.
Previous experience in education or governance is not required we offer full training and ongoing support within a friendly team. For more info please contact Catherine Warnock, Chair of Governors: cwarnock@stjamesprimaryemsworth.co.uk
Emsworth Community Centre
Library re-opens
Emsworth library re-opened on Saturday 24 May. The library opening hours are: Tuesday 9.30 -5; Thursday 9.30 – 5; Friday 9.30 -5; Saturday 9.30 – 1.30
The Centre Cinema remains open
Monday 14 July – 3:30 and 7:30 Bridget Jones, Mad About the Boy (15) 125mins- Comedy
Our Community Cinema is at the heart of our social activity programme. Showings are 3:30 and 7:30 always on a Monday but not regular set dates, so check out our website for all information including a trailer of each film just before it’s shown, and times and dates. www.emsworthcommunitycentre
Films for a Fiver – you can now book films online from our website and Facebook page. Tickets can be purchased online and at the Office reception in the Community Centre.
Our AGM Thurs 24 July 7pm start
Everyone is welcome to attend. The usual subjects will be discussed including expenditure and current affairs and we will include the update on the building fire incident that took place at the centre on 18 March 2025. There will also be refreshments after the meeting and time to discuss all the issues; this will be held in the galley café.
Tabletop Summer Sale Saturday 26 July, 10am – 2pm Stall holders wanted, tables 6ft - £10 and 3ft - £5.
Come and join us, we have all kinds of items for sale including hand crafted gifts and jewellery at very reasonable prices.
Business PO10 closes.
The arts and gift shop, PO10 has closed its premises at 7 High St. The shop was opened in 2018 by local artist, Lisa Edgington. In an interview with ITV she stated that due to rising costs, declining footfall and customers cutting back on luxuries, she has had no choice but to close her shop.
Youth
Summer Holiday Activities in Emsworth Recreation Ground (Summer THRIVE-ing)
The young people activity days run in half term in Emsworth Community Centre have been very successful so it was decided that for the summer holidays it would move into Emsworth Recreation Ground. The days will be run by coaches from Horizon Leisure who will offer Dodgeball, non-contact boxing, cricket and tennis. Young People will have the opportunity to try all of the sports. The events will be open to all young people in years 6 to 11. To book a place email mwhitelock@horizonlc.com
The days are being sponsored by Friends of Emsworth Community Health who have made a very generous donation. The Cheque was presented at the ERF AGM by Theo Schofield and Stuart Heartfield. The ERF is very grateful for their support.
Silent disco is on its way
Planning is in progress for a Halloween silent disco to be held in the Community Centre on 31st October 2025. All young people in year 6 to 11 will be welcome. So put the date on your calendar and look out for more details in the October issue of the EMS. For details on youth activities contact Ellie Turnbull youth.erf@gmail.com
Emsworth Show
Bank Holiday Monday 25 August (10.30 am – 5.00 pm)
New Life Church, Thorney Rd, Emsworth
Free parking on site, or courtesy bus which stops all around Emsworth. Come along between 10.30 am 5.00 pm to visit the Greatest Little Show in the South
Please note: no parking on Thorney Road on 25 August. Browse the 70+ stalls around the showground which include crafts, baked goods, tombola and games. Watch the events in the arena: duck herding with Quack Pack, Melana Dance, Morris Dancing. Join the fun with Dolly and Gracie in the Sports Day Spectacular, Welly wanging and much more! Enter your best friend in the dog showdetails on our website. Get your lunch from one of the numerous food stalls, or sit and
chill with a glass of wine, while listening to the musical entertainment including Alder Valley Brass, Slow Burn Reggae, and, new this year, singer Archie Mac. Visit the Emsworth Horticultural Marquee to see all the prize-winning vegetables, flowers, cakes and preserves, photography and arts and crafts, to name just a few of the categories. If you wish to enter please see the schedule which is available on the website at www.emshs.org.uk Early Bird tickets are £5.50 (full price ticket £7.00 from 1 August,) available from our website www.emsworthshow.co.uk
Dates for your diary
Emsworth Artists Summer Exhibition 2025 (23 -27 August)
Emsworth Artists are an exclusive number of artists who live within 2 miles of Emsworth Square. The purpose of our Exhibition is to help raise funds for the Community Centre which we have been doing for many years, raising up to £50.000 for the running of the Centre. Our visitors are very important to us and we hope to welcome you. The Exhibition is from Saturday 23until Wednesday 27 August at the Community Centre from 10 am until 5 pm daily. We very much look forward to seeing you,
Havant Borough Heritage Festival 2025
12th – 21 September 2025
Following last year’s successful Heritage Festival it is planned to run another this year, mostly focussed on the National Heritage Open Days theme of architecture, across the Borough, but with interesting additions. https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ Of particular interest to Emsworth Residents are:10 am 6 September. Prelaunch Event at The Spring Havant 10 am – 5 pm 12 - 21 September. Exhibition at Meridian Centre, Havant. Any questions please email: neil.spurgeon@bcs.org.uk
Emsworth Concert Band
We are putting on a Christmas concert at Oaklands School on Saturday 13 December. We are also performing at Ashling Park Vineyard on Sunday 22 June as part of English Wine Week and will be performing at Stansted Sumner Festival on 19 and 20 July. http://www.emsworthconcertband.com/
ERF NEWS
ERF Membership Secretary Vacancy (volunteer post)
The ERF is looking for a volunteer to take over the role of Membership Secretary. You would be joining a team of enthusiastic people to help with the running of the ERF. Duties include:
Maintaining a database of members which is connected to the payment system. This takes 1 -3 hours a month (see https://membermojo.co.uk/ )
Attending ERF committee meetings which are held bi-monthly (up to 2 hours)
Attending ERF quarterly public meetings
Producing and implementing campaigns to increase membership
You should have good IT skills, attention to detail and be able to work from home
If you are interested, please contact: ellie.turnbull10@gmail.com
Deliverers wanted
We are always looking for people to help deliver The Ems. Please contact jandgmil@btinternet.com if you can assist.
THE
EMS
Back copies are available online. The Summer edition will be published on 10 July https://issuu.com/theems
COPY AND PUBLICATION DATES 2025
THE EMS Edition Deadline for commissioned articles and advertisements
Autumn 2025
Winter 2026
Friday 26 Sept 2025
Monday 21 December 2025
Scan this QR code to sign the Town Council petition.
The Ems is distributed to all homes in Emsworth from
Thursday 9 October 2025
Thursday 8 January 2026
