Gosport.info

25 Volunteers Take to the Streets to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Volunteers Week

2009-07-01T21:46:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday 3^rd June at 1.15, 25 volunteers got together to be photographed in the shape of a 25 to mark this important anniversary and to let everyone know that volunteering can be fun. There were people wielding red stars in the High Street between Gosport Museum and the Conservative Club! They represented a wide range of voluntary groups that are flourishing in Gosport: Girlguiding East Hampshire, Gosport Gardening Scheme, Citizens Advice Bureau, Disability Information Centre, The Samaritans, Shopmobility, Goshawks Gymnastics, Hovercraft Search and Rescue, Dustbusters, Rowner Access Point, Gosport Befriending Scheme, Fareham and Gosport Girls’ Group and Gosport Voluntary Action.

Selling the benefits of volunteering isn’t hard in a recession. People can gain new skills, confidence and friends and make use of valuable experience whilst they look for work. All these organisations welcome people who want to make a difference. The Message we wanted to give on the 3^rd June is that volunteering doesn’t always need to be hard work, that there is a wealth of opportunities to choose from and that those stalwarts who are making up the 25 are recognised and valued for their contribution.

Nicky Staveley, Volunteer Centre Manager, says: “ I wanted to show some Volunteer Power on this 25^th anniversary! We are seeing double the number of potential volunteers from this time last year. I want people to know that volunteering is thriving in Gosport and that we are always open to offers of help from people who want to get involved in their community and have some fun!”

If anyone wants to know more about the interesting array of volunteering opportunities on offer at the Volunteer Centre, they should either phone 02392 588347 or email Nicky at: gosportvb@gva.org.uk or look at: www.volunteercentre.net/gosport under Current Vacancies.

For more information about Volunteers Week, go to: www.volunteersweek.org.uk

Gosport.info - Update June 2009

2009-06-29T14:57:00.001+01:00

1) Hampshire Trading Standards are taking bookings for Electric Blanket testing. The telephone number to ring for an appointment is 01962 833 358. They will be doing this in Fareham and Gosport again this year as well as other areas of Hampshire. They will be at Gosport Fire Station Privett Rd and Ferneham Hall Osborn Road, Fareham, on one day each in October, but an appointment must be made beforehand on the telephone number 01962 833 358.

2) Solents Events Trips July to September;

9th July HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW inclus 3 -course country restaurant
www.solentevents.co.uk £74.95
Away-Day from Stokes Bay, Lee on Solent, Stubbington & Fareham

18th Aug BUCKINGHAM PALACE STATEROOMS & ROYAL MEWS with optional POSH Afternoon Tea at Ritz, Fortnum & Masons, Dorchester £53
www.solentevents.co.uk
Away-Day from Stokes Bay, Lee on Solent, Stubbington & Fareham

4th Sept HEVER CASTLE + PATCHWORK/QUILTING SHOW £39
www.solentevents.co.uk
Away-Day from Stokes Bay, Lee on Solent Stubbington & Fareham

3) Some events including some missed from the last newsletter;
4th July - Russell Churcher Court Grand Garden Fete 2pm Entry Free.
11th July - Lee Horticultural Society Summer Show.
11th July - Rowner Carnival - www.rownercarnival.org.uk
18th July - Bridgemary Carnival - www.bridgemarycarnival.co.uk
25th July - Gosport & Lee-on-the-SolentLions Club Town Show -
Walpole Park, Gosport 023 9255 0765
25th-27th July - Hovershow 50 (2009) - www.hovercraft-museum.org/hovershow.html
30th July - 2nd Aug - Stokes Bay and Wickham Festaval - www.stokesbayfestival.co.uk
2nd Aug - Provincial Bus Rally - www.provincialsociety.org/
15th Aug Gosport Allotment Holders and Gardeners Association Summer Show St Mary's Parish Centre Green Rd, Alverstoke
29th Aug Lee Festival - Lee-on-the-Solent Residents and Gosport Amateur Operatic Society 11am to 4pm http://gosportinfo.blogspot.com/
30th Aug - Forton Park Funday - www.berytonra.comwp.net
31st Aug - Gosporteers Vehicle Rally - www.gosporteers.org.uk
10th-13th Sept - Heritage Weekend - www.heritageopendays.org.uk
12th Sept - Lee Horticultural Society Autumn Show .
19th Sept - Leesland Park ParkFest09 - www.leeslandpark.ik.com
19th Sept - Gosporteers Michaelmas Fayre - www.gosporteers.org.uk

4) A few people in the past have asked about making Gosport.info 'less busy'. I have been not sure what to do, but now someone has made some suggestions which I will try to bring in, though first I have increased the width of the page as I feel very few people now have the 680 x 460 resolution now, I also hope it will allow me to shorten some of the long pages, also put some small photos in some of the text pages to break them up a bit. The main suggestion was to change the font I use from Times New Roman (Seif font) to a San Serif, such as Arial, Verdana or Comic Sans as I understand san serif fonts are easier to read. I have set up a page at http://www.gosport.info/Site_Info/New_Fonts_/new_fonts_.html with examples, perhaps if you have a preference you could send me an email to let me know. 2 votes so far Comic Sans. There are also plans to provide an index for the 'Request' pages and possibly to split up the pages to categories and to include replies below the original questions.

5) Gosport.info blog at http://gosportinfo.blogspot.com or from the links on the mail Gosport.info web site at www.gosport.info organisations are now sending items that I have added to the blog. These include, Gosport Borough Council, Explosion Museum, English Heritage, Stokes Bay Festival organisers and other Gosport groups and businesses. If your group or business have information that you would like added or about an event you are planning/ having you could send me a short item for the What's on or a longer press release type which I can add to the Gosport.info blog , just email them to me.
Best regards,
Ian Jeffery

www.gosport.info

Former High Street Benches Restored by Museum Volunteers

2009-06-29T14:10:00.001+01:00

With the recent revamp of Gosport's Town Centre, the Museum was gifted eight benches which once resided along Gosport's high street.

Over the last few months Museum volunteers, Harry Morgan and Eddie Midwinter, have stripped down and fully restored these benches to their former glory. Thanks to our volunteers using existing materials, this work has been completed at no cost to the Museum.

The benches are now situated around the Museum green and the Museum encourages both local residents, and visitors to the Museum alike, to enjoy the new seating arrangements at this historic waterfront setting. Museum Visitor Services Officer, Marc Farrance, said "the work done by all of our volunteers is truly remarkable. Their enthusiasm and commitment is a fantastic asset for us and we greatly appreciate the work they do".

Please note that the Museum is open at weekends only, telephone 023 9250 5600 for more information, or visit our website - www.explosion.org.uk.

For further information and images please contact
Visitor Services Officer Marc Farrance on 023 9250 5603
email: mfarrance@explosion.org.uk or visit www.explosion.org.uk.

POLICE THREAT TO FESTIVAL LIFTED Court gives Stokes Bay Festival Go-Ahead

2009-06-26T14:50:00.000+01:00

A police objection to the Stokes Bay Festival in Hampshire has been successfully resolved following an agreement between the police and Festival organisers for some extra stewards and minor changes to the Festival site plan.

The agreement was approved at Portsmouth Magistrates Court today (Friday).

The Court gave the Festival the go-ahead.

The 5-day event will now take place as planned between Wednesday 29 July and Sunday 2 August at Stokes Bay near Gosport in Hampshire.

Artists confirmed include The Zutons; The Proclaimers; Seth Lakeman; The Saw Doctors; Oysterband; Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds; Lunasa and The SAS Band (Spike's All-Stars featuring Paul Young, Fish, Tom Robinson and special guest vocalists).

Festival organiser Peter Chegwyn said he was "absolutely delighted" with the police agreement which lifted a threat to stop the Festival happening this year.

"This is wonderful news and a huge relief. We have always enjoyed a very good working relationship with the police who recognise that Stokes Bay is one of the safest and friendliest festivals in the land.

"The objection to the licence resulted from complaints by a handful of politically-motivated local residents who try every year to stop any music festivals being held at Stokes Bay. It is good news for the vast majority of local residents who support the Festival that it will now go-ahead as planned."

http://www.stokesbayfestival.co.uk

ST GEORGE BARRACKS NORTH, GOSPORT - A CONSERVATION AREA TRANSFORMED

2009-06-23T09:46:00.002+01:00

-English Heritage highlights best practice in conservation areas –

Nearly one in 10 conservation areas in the South East are at risk of neglect, decay or damaging change. This finding was revealed today (Tuesday 23 June) by English Heritage as it launched the 2009 Heritage at Risk (HAR) register.

Gosport Council has received praised from English Heritage for its positive management of the conservation areas in its care.

The 2009 Heritage at Risk register offers the most detailed insight into the state of the region’s priceless historic treasures and includes the results of the first ever national survey into the condition of our conservation areas. These areas, designated by local councils to protect their unique character and appearance – represent a large part of the region’s built heritage. Now, based on the survey’s findings, English Heritage is launching a Conservation Areas at Risk campaign to get residents, local groups and councils working together to improve these special places before it is too late.

For the survey, English Heritage asked all local authorities in the region to complete a questionnaire for each of its conservation areas. There are more that 2,000 conservation areas across the South East. Our survey identified that that 140 out of 1,224 sampled conservation areas are at risk – 11% of the total, and under the national average of 15%. Among the most commonly identified problems were development pressures, poorly maintained roads and pavements, street clutter, ‘garden grabbing’ for off-street parking and traffic issues.

This year, St George Barracks North, Gosport has been highlighted as a Conservation Area that has been significantly enhanced. It was originally designated in 1990 and forms part of redundant defence estates found widely across Gosport. The area consists mainly of Grade II listed officers’ quarters built in 1856 and a guard house. It is linked to the Royal Clarence Yard redevelopment and part of the wider waterside area across from Portsmouth and Gun Wharf. According to English Heritage, this is an example of a sensitive conversion of institutional buildings for residential use, which has resulted in the enhancement of the conservation area. The barracks are now home to 160 new dwellings.

Chris Haslam, who was a young soldier when he was stationed in St George Barracks from September 1969 until mid 1971 said: “I often think of my days as a young soldier in Gosport and have made several visits since. During my time there, the barracks were very lightly used and most of the space was empty. This was most likely due to the fact that most of the soldiers were away on-board ship. I have so many fond memories of the area and was delighted to discover that English Heritage has highlighted the value of the heritage at this site.”

Dr Andy Brown, South East Regional Director of English Heritage, said: 'For the first time, we now have a regional snapshot of what sort of pressures our cherished Conservation Areas are under. I want to see how we can help local councils to rise to the challenge of Conservation Areas at Risk by highlighting best practice in the South East and by encouraging better local partnership working. There is so much that can be done to improve the situation without it costing the earth.'

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “To find out for the first time ever what condition the nation’s conservation areas are in, we asked every local authority to complete questionnaires for each of its conservation areas. We are delighted that 75% responded, a heroic effort on behalf of council conservation teams.

“Analysing the results it is clear the problems fall into two main areas: what owners do to their properties and what councils do or fail to do to the streets, pavements, parks and public spaces.

“So, we are asking for three things. First, we want councils to make more use of Article 4 Directions – only 13% of conservation areas currently have one - to protect small but important original details such as windows, doors and front gardens. Lose these and slowly but inevitably you lose the character and the history that made the area special in the first place. And where there are neglected or derelict buildings, councils should use their powers to encourage owners to repair or sell them.

“Secondly, we want council departments to work together to take better care of the public areas. Highways and Environmental Services teams, even Health and Education departments whose buildings often dominate a conservation area, they all need to co-operate to save the public parts of conservation areas from decay. Conservation areas should not just be the responsibility of the council’s Conservation Officer.

“Thirdly, we want local people to get involved. Our survey shows that conservation areas with community support are more than twice as likely to have improved over the last three years as those without. And there are countless instances where civic societies and residents groups are helping councils by finding out what local people value, by doing street clutter audits, commenting on planning applications or helping to prepare local lists of historic buildings.”

There are also financial reasons why caring for your conservation area makes sense. An English Heritage poll of estate agents reveals that 82% think original features add value to a property and 75% think being in a well-kept conservation area enhances house prices.

Dr Thurley continued: “Millions of us live in, work in, pass through or visit conservation areas. They are the centres of historic towns and villages, 1930s suburbs, rural idylls or estates of industrial workers’ cottages: the local heritage which gives England its distinctiveness.

“These are difficult economic times but our research shows that conservation areas do not need time-consuming or costly measures, just prioritising as places people cherish, the commitment of the whole council and good-management by residents and councils alike. Well-cared for they encourage good neighbourliness, give a boost to the local economy and will continue to be a source of national pride and joy for generations to come.”

HERITAGE AT RISK REGISTER 2009

Contained within the 2009 HAR register is a list of South East Buildings at Risk. English Heritage has now secured the future of 109 local buildings from the original 1999 register. In 2008/09 alone, it succeeded in removing 10 entries from the register, including the Old Shoreham Toll Bridge in West Sussex, Chatham Smithery in Medway and Dropmore House in South Bucks.

Of the 10 buildings removed from this year’s register, eight were on the original Buildings at Risk 1999 register. This means that in the last 11 years, English Heritage has secured the future of 109 of the 233 buildings on the original register – more than any other region in England.

The 2009 register contains, for the first time, full details of all conservation areas, registered parks and gardens, and scheduled monuments (archaeological sites) at risk in the South East. This year, more than 400 heritage assets have been added to the South East HAR register. New additions include:

A protected wreck site, (The London situated in the Thames Estuary)
140 conservation areas,
270 scheduled monuments,
24 registered parks and gardens.

The region still has one registered battlefield at risk, which is the site of the first battle of Newbury (1643).

Other key findings for the region include:

10 per cent of the South East’s region’s 2,627 scheduled monuments are at risk. They include prehistoric burial mounds, Roman towns, castles and abbeys. However, in this year’s register’ Seven Barrows, a Bronze Age cemetery in West Berkshire has been reduced from high to low risk.
In the South East, nearly two per cent (1.9 per cent) of Grade I and Grade II* listed building entries have been indentified at risk. This accounts for 104 of the 5,561 buildings in the region.
There are 24 registered parks and gardens in the South East considered to be at risk – nearly seven per cent (6.6%) of the total number of registered landscapes. This is higher than any other region in England, and represents one quarter of the 96 sites considered at risk nationally.

Please use the below link to access each section of the HAR register:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.21056

What can you do?

Portsmouth’s residents have a role to play and local knowledge can be an enormous help to local authorities in the active management of conservation areas. To find out more about the Conservation Areas at Risk campaign, and how you can get involved please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/conservationareas

For a free copy of the campaign booklet, please either register on the website or contact English Heritage Customer Services: 0870 3331181 customers@english-heritage.org.uk

NEW IMPETUS GIVEN TO MARKETS IN GOSPORT

2009-06-23T09:44:00.000+01:00

Gosport Markets take another step to becoming one of the South Coast’s premier markets with the appointment of Nic Bullough, Market Supervisor.

Previously Nic had worked all around the UK, not just on markets but also on county shows, craft shows, and music festivals. “Gosport has a history of delivering excellent markets and with the opportunity that the loss of the previous contractor brought I was excited to bring my extensive skills and knowledge to try and recapture some of that market magic that the older residents in Gosport will remember”, said Nic.

“On any given market day shoppers can browse between a wonderful assortment of open-air stalls, selling anything from fresh farm produce to flowers, value trainers to quality clothing, exotic Asian relish to pet accessories”, said Nic. Along the half-mile of stalls, shoppers can pause and enjoy morning-coffee, lunch, or afternoon-tea at over ten venues offering al-fresco dining.

“Gosport has many hidden treasures”, added Damien Wilson, Gosport Borough Council’s newly-appointed Director of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, “all within a few minutes’ walk of the market. Whether you arrive by ferry, bus, car, taxi, or foot, you can enjoy the finest view of Portsmouth Harbour and the Spinnaker Tower from the Falkland Gardens, which are situated at the end of the market in the High Street.” The Falkland Gardens with their massed formal planting of flowers, palm trees and fountain, and the accompanying Esplanade de Royan provide wonderful places to sit and watch the yachts pass by, with the Spinnaker Tower forming one of UK’s most spectacular backdrops.

“We are looking to programme some themed markets”, said Councillor Mark Hook, Leader of the Council “to provide that little bit of extra interest and to cater for all the needs of Gosport residents. I want to re-establish the Gosport Markets as one of the premier markets on the South Coast. We’re very excited about this and people have told us they regularly check the council’s website (www.gosport.gov.uk/markets) to see what plans are being made.”

More information about the markets can be found at the website above, or by calling Nic Bullough, the Market Supervisor on 07983 994071, or Streetscene on 08000 198598.

‘HAMPSHIRE WINNING WOMEN’ UNDER STARTERS ORDERS AT EPSOM

2009-06-10T15:30:00.002+01:00

(local business women join the excitement of the races)

The Winning Women Network Group (Fareham branch), donned their best hats and posh frocks for its 1^st Annual Outing last Friday, at the best place possible - Epsom Ladies Day. It proved to be wonderful opportunity for the local hard-working business ladies to soak up a bit of well-earned luxury, practice some social networking and place a few lucrative bets on the horses. Winning Women member, Roberta Jerram of Linen at Home (www.linenathome.co.uk) won 5 races out of 7!

Lin Wilson of Gosport based event company, Solent Events & Leisure, organised the trip to perfection, even handing out a betting ‘aide memoire’ to the many novices on the coach. Whilst being parked-up directly beside the racecourse for the all-important front seat viewing, all the ladies enjoyed canapés & Bucks Fizz on arrival, plus a luxury 3-course lunch with wine, during the afternoon.

Wendy Wyatt from Inspire Your Life Coaching said “I’ve always wanted to go to the races, but to have done it in such luxury and simplicity was fantastic – we’re now looking forward to next years’ Winning Women Annual Outing”.

If you are a lady in business, and would like to join Winning Women at their monthly meetings, contact Allison Marlowe 02392 644598 (www.allisonmarlowe.com)

To receive information on Luxury London Theatre Trips & Away-Days with Solent Events & Leisure, contact Lin Wilson: 02392 501803 Email: info@solentevents.co.uk

(www.solentevents.co.uk)

Some of the Winning Women make a winning team at Epsom.

Roberta Jerram; Wendy Wyatt; Pam Gully of Charterhouse Counselling; Allison Marlow; Lin Wilson; Penny Gregory

Winner of the Winning Women Best Hat Competition!

Penny Gregory (Image Consultant - www.pennygregory.co.uk)

Lin Wilson
Solent Events & Leisure 02392 501803 or 07977 065885
info@solentevents.co.uk

St Vincent History Club - Gosport Railway Project

2009-06-09T20:42:00.001+01:00

- St Vincent History Club has received a grant from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation for a project, to produce a DVD and book showing the past and present. This will include the railway around Gosport. History, memories, photos. If you have anything to include please email them to me. Please advise if you would be happy to have any items not used in the project to be added to Gosport.info. Ian

A Day In The Life Of Gosport…..14th June 2009

2009-06-09T15:03:00.002+01:00

The organisers of Gosport’s Big Day Out on Sunday 14 June are encouraging local residents to dig out their camera and capture a special memory of the event. It is estimated that thousands of people will visit one or more of the participating attractions throughout the Borough and hundreds are likely to join the crowds at Stokes Bay. The action-packed day will offer a range of opportunities for amateur photographers to take a picture that captures not only their own personal memory but also showcases the best that Gosport has to offer. Nigel Draycott, Arts Development Officer from Gosport Borough Council says: “We hope to receive hundreds of photographs that will create a unique photographic record of this special day for the people of Gosport. There is a possibility that some of the best images will be used in future leaflets and posters to promote the Borough!”

Gosport resident and keen amateur photographer, Sue Threlfall, last year took an image of an open-top vintage bus, which has since been used in promotional leaflets for this year’s event. “I was delighted that my image was selected and used to promote this year’s Big Day Out,” said Sue. “I would encourage everyone to take some photos of their day!” From Sunday 14 June Pictures (with a caption) should be sent to adayinthelifeofgosport@hotmail.co.uk. To view all the submitted photos during and after the event, go to www.go-gosport.co.uk/bigdayout

Gosport’s Big Day Out, on Sunday 14 June has returned following the success of last year’s event, offering free or discounted entry for all of Gosport’s major attractions and a host of exciting activities.

The event includes:

A family Treasure Trail which gives those involved the chance to discover some interesting facts about Gosport
A morning flypast from The Red Arrows aerobatic team
Scenic trips on a vintage open top bus which will stop along the seafront
Budding stars will be able to show off their talents at the first ever ‘Gosport’s Got Talent’ show held at the Alverbank Hotel
A display from GAFIRS
People can bring their own food or enjoy a hog roast on the green with friends and family
Wave 105’s Rick Jackson will also compere an evening full of entertainment including live music, quad biking and an inflatable bungee run

Armed Forces Day Commemorated At Gosport 22nd June

2009-06-09T14:57:00.001+01:00

On Monday 22 June at 10.30am, Rear Admiral David Bawtree, will visit Gosport, and on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mrs Mary Fagan, he will present a specially commissioned Armed Forces Flag to the Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Diane Searle. All Local authorities have been requested to take part in a special flag raising ceremony to commemorate Armed Forces Day, and at Gosport that ceremony will take place in the Falkland Gardens, overlooking Portsmouth Harbour.

The Mayor will accept the flag and hand it to an aide who will raise it on her behalf, where it will remain flying until Sunday 28 June, when the Council then holds its annual Veterans Day and D-Day ceremony at Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport. “We believe it is important that we not only remember all those who fought during the First and Second World War or in other campaigns around the world, but we also remember the men and women who today are still risking their lives in defence of their country in places like Afghanistan,” said the Mayor, Councillor Diane Searle. “That is what Armed forces Day is about and we hope that by raising the flag on Armed Forces Day, local families whose loved ones can’t be here will find some comfort in knowing that we are all thinking of them and that we are grateful for the fantastic but difficult work they continue to do on our behalf.”

For more details on the Armed Forces Day or the Veterans or D-Day ceremonies please contact The Mayors PA, Michelle Barrett Tel: (023) 9254 5202

PLEASE HELP COUNCIL REDUCE CONTAMINATION IN RECYCLING BINS

2009-06-09T11:06:00.002+01:00

Gosport Borough Council’s waste management team is working hard to improve its recycling performance so it can help the environment, keep costs down, and also improve its recycling rate!

However, in order to do this they need every householder to do their bit and that means reducing contamination in their recycling bin. Gosport’s recycling rate is worked out by measuring how much the Council recycles, compared with the total amount of rubbish thrown away. If too much general rubbish is thrown away, the authority doesn’t achieve a good recycling rate. Contamination arises when incorrect items are placed into the recycling bin. Depending on the level and type of contamination, it could result in a whole vehicle load of perfectly good recyclables being rejected and incinerated, which increases costs on sorting and seriously lowers the authorities recycling rate.

Project Integra (the partnership between Hampshire authorities and the waste contractor Veolia Environmental Services) regularly carries out testing on collections, taking samples of recycling loads to see if the correct items are being included. The results of this contamination monitoring can dramatically affect Gosport’s recycling rate, so it’s important to eliminate any incorrect items and improve the quality of what recycling is being collected. Far better to collect less clean material than a lot more contaminated recycling which is then rejected.

“The problem we have is that if someone puts the plastic pots from their microwave dinner or some clingfilm, foil, glass jam jars or other household waste into their recycling bin and it is tipped into the lorry, it could result in the whole lorry load being rejected when it reaches the sorting station,” said Jenny Marlow, Recycling Officer for Gosport Borough Council. “This would undo all the good work of hundreds of other recyclers and seriously damage the authorities recycling rate.”

For this reason the Council is working to improve recycling in a number of ways:

Ensuring residents have access to the correct information, for example on the website at www.gosport.gov.uk/recycling, through delivery of an annual calendar, articles in Coastline magazine, and regular press releases to the media
Attendance at community events, schools, supermarket road shows and many other events (look out for us at the Gosport Ferry 5-6 June, and at ASDA and Gosport market in Recycle Week, 22-27 June)
Leaflet drops and home visits
Freephone recycling helpline (Tel: 08000 198 598)
Wheeled bin monitoring on collection day

Some people are still unsure about what items they can and can’t include in their recycling bin, so this last method, monitoring the bin on collection day, is used in combination with others means to both help and educate people on what they can and cannot recycle, to reduce the risk of contamination. “It’s not a case of someone snooping or rummaging in your bin and there is certainly no condemnation of anyone,” added Jenny. “Officers will simply lift the lid and take a quick peek inside and if they see any glass, yoghurt pots, plastic or foil trays, cling film or other contaminants which people mistakenly believe they can recycle, staff will inform the householder. That way they won’t make the same mistake and they can help us reduce contamination.

How is the householder informed of contamination? They will be given individual feedback as to which items can and can’t be recycled, by using the following system:

A GREEN tag simply informs the resident they have included items that cannot be recycled at present such as plastic trays, yoghurt pots, crisp packets, shredded paper etc. Simply read the notes on the tag and try not to include these items again.

A RED tag is issued for more serious contamination such as glass, food waste or black sacks and means the bin cannot be emptied as its contents mixing with good quality recyclables could result in the whole vehicle load being rejected. A red tag may also be issued if the householder has already received 2 green tags for incorrect items and there has been no improvement over the 6 week monitoring period. However, before this tag is issued the Recycling Inspector will endeavour to contact the householder to see if they can help with any issues, or explain things in more detail.

The use of this system of tags has already had a positive effect, with one area already showing a reduction in contamination of over 20%. “We know that the majority of Gosport residents are keen to do their bit for the environment and recycle as much as they can,” added Jenny. “Monitoring wheeled bins will ensure they have access to the correct information about what can and can’t be recycled, so together we can improve Gosport’s recycling performance.”

Remember, Gosport can accept the following items in recycling wheeled bins:

Paper - e.g. newspapers, letters, envelopes, magazines – except shredded paper
Cardboard - e.g. cereal boxes, cardboard food wrappers, brown boxes
Food and drink cans - e.g. baked beans tins, drink cans
Plastic bottles only (no lids please) stamped with any number or symbol - eg water bottles, shampoo bottles – please do not include any other item made from plastic

If you are still unsure, or have any concerns about the monitoring process, please contact Streetscene. Our Recycling Inspector is happy to undertake home visits to resolve any issues.

For more information please contact: Jenny Marlow Recycling Officer Gosport Borough Council Tel: 9023) 9254 5629

I have emailed the Council as I remember in the past that plastics with the number 1,2 & 3 were OK, and J Parker bulbs are now packaging in type 2 plastic to help their 'Green' status, but in the message above it now says 'do not include any other item made from plastic' so wonder if less plastic is now to be re-cycled or have they just put that to reduce confusion in customers. Ian

Electric Blanket Testing in Gosport & Fareham by Hampshire Trading Standards

2009-06-02T18:30:00.002+01:00

We are (Hampshire Trading Standards) taking bookings for Electric Blanket testing. The telephone number to ring for an appointment is 01962 833 358.

We will be doing this in Fareham and Gosport again this year as well as other areas of Hampshire.  Jane Gulliver  Trading Standards Officer

When I have been advised of the dates I will add here and on Gosport.info Ian

IT’S PEDAL POWER FOR ENFORCEMENT TEAM

2009-06-02T18:10:00.001+01:00

To assist in reducing the Council’s carbon footprint, Gosport Borough Council’s Enforcement Officers are going to be leaving their vans at base and taking to their bikes. Initially it will be one day a month, to see how it works out, but if successful the team will make one day a fortnight a van free day in order to reduce fuel consumption, exhaust fumes, and more importantly to reduce the council’s carbon footprint.

The Council signed up to the Nottingham Declaration to Climate Change in July 2008 and since that time has been working hard to save energy and reduce waste in a bid to cut its carbon footprint. A team of twelve Enforcement Officers currently work a shift system providing a service to the community from 6am to 10pm seven days a week. The team has already reduced its vehicle fleet by four vans, but with locking and unlocking parks and playing fields, patrolling and enforcing the littering and dog fouling by- laws, checking out abandoned cars and graffiti, in fact anything to do with the Clean Neighbourhood Act, the team can cover many miles in a day.

“We hope that by getting them out on their bikes the team will find themselves more accessible to the public and that people will approach them to chat about any problem areas or report incidents they are aware of,” said Stevyn Ricketts, Head of Streetscene. “It also means that without the restriction of the van, Officers will be able to access the back alleyways to check out for themselves what’s going on and where. Obviously there will be exceptions, for example if we are called to collect a stray dog then a van will be required, but we really hope to make this work and increase on the number of bike days and reduce the number of van days. It is important that we all do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint and that must also go for the workplace!”

If you see an Enforcement Officer at any time he will be happy to discuss any regular sightings of dog fouling, littering, graffiti, fly tipping. Alternatively call FREEPHONE 08000 198598
For more information please contact: Stevyn Ricketts

Gosport.info - Update May 2009

2009-06-02T10:02:00.005+01:00

1) I bought a couple of lawn signs, I put on in my front garden then
disappeared. I do not think the wind would have taken it as the stand was still in the ground, but who knows. Maybe it has become a collectors item. I am willing to offer £5 to The Person who can help me recover it and it is in reasonable condition.

2) Here a few to get started, if you want to add yours to future emails,
please let me know.
13th June - Gosporteers Carnival Walpole Park - www.gosporteers.org.uk
14th June - Gosport's Big Day Out - lots going on see:
www.go-gosport.co.uk/bigdayout/
20th-21st June - HMS Sultan Show - www.sultan.org.uk
23rd June - Forton Park Funday Meeting - www.berytonra.comwp.net
11th July - Lee Horticultural Society Summer Show.
11th July - Rowner Carnival - www.rownercarnival.org.uk
18th July - Bridgemary Carnival - www.bridgemarycarnival.co.uk
25th July - Gosport & Lee-on-the-SolentLions Club Town Show -
Walpole Park, Gosport 023 9255 0765
25th-27th July - Hovershow 50 (2009) -
www.hovercraft-museum.org/hovershow.html
30th July - 2nd Aug - Stokes Bay and Wickham Festaval -
www.stokesbayfestival.co.uk
2nd Aug - Provincial Bus Rally - www.regent8.co.uk
30th Aug - Forton Park Funday - www.berytonra.comwp.net
31st Aug - Gosporteers Vehicle Rally - www.gosporteers.org.uk
10th-13th Sept - Heritage Weekend - www.heritageopendays.org.uk
12th Sept - Lee Horticultural Society Autumn Show .
19th Sept - Leesland Park ParkFest09 - www.leeslandpark.ik.com
19th Sept - Gosporteers Michaelmas Fayre - www.gosporteers.org.uk
If you wish to have your event added to future newsletters please let
me know.

3) If you are involved with a group that has a web site, perhaps I can
suggest that you have a look at it. Perhaps this would help the person looking after your web site. Perhaps by providing help or if a new person is needed to take it on, but in particular supplying updated information and photos as I find, as someone who has agreed to look after the sites of a few groups, I am not able to keep up to date with all the things that could be added. I suspect I am talking to the converted as I am sure that you realise how important web sites are to some people when looking for the latest information about the Groups and their events.

4) Sorry I am fairly sure that I received an email, subject 'Nomination'nominating someone for the 'Famous People of Gosport' pages in the last week or so. If that was from you please would you send it again and I am very sorry for losing the previous email.

5) If you have a web site and have links to Gosport whether a Gosport business, organisation or any other site, please let me know and I add a link to your web site from an appropriate page on the site. If you are also able to add a link to Gosport.info (www.gosport.info) that would be
great.

Best wishes,
Ian Jeffery
www.gosport.info

Solent Events List June to September 2009

2009-06-02T09:58:00.001+01:00

Solent Events

5th June EPSOM LADIES DAY inclus luxury lunch, canapés, Bucks Fizz £69.95
www.solentevents.co.uk
Away-Day from Stokes Bay, Lee on Solent, Stubbington & Fareham

9th July HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW inclus 3 -course country restaurant
www.solentevents.co.uk £74.95
Away-Day from Stokes Bay, Lee on Solent, Stubbington & Fareham

18th Aug BUCKINGHAM PALACE STATEROOMS & ROYAL MEWS with optional POSH Afternoon Tea at Ritz, Fortnum & Masons, Dorchester £53
www.solentevents.co.uk
Away-Day from Stokes Bay, Lee on Solent, Stubbington & Fareham

4th Sept HEVER CASTLE + PATCHWORK/QUILTING SHOW £39
www.solentevents.co.uk
Away-Day from Stokes Bay, Lee on Solent Stubbington & Fareham

PARTNERSHIP AGENCIES WORK TOGETHER TO TACKLE ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

2009-05-29T11:19:00.001+01:00

Over the past year Gosport’s Anti-Social Behaviour Panel (ASB Panel) has worked steadfastly to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough, a result of the whole partnership working together, advising, informing and collating information for the benefit of the community.

The Panel was set up in April 2008 by Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinators from Gosport Borough Council and Gosport Police, who worked at bringing partner agencies together for monthly meetings. It is there that the top 20 individuals, whose anti-social behaviour persistently impacts on communities within the borough, are discussed. Actions from all partner agencies are then targeted at addressing and curtailing this unacceptable behaviour. Actions can range from of ‘one to one’ mentoring and anger management support, through to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO) and other Police work. The aim of the ASB Panel is to encourage individuals away from continuing to commit anti-social behaviour. However, if robust preventative measures are not sufficient then legal action, such as making an application for an ASBO, will be taken.

In its first year the ASB Panel has successfully diverted 23 individuals, mostly young people, away from their continuing anti-social behaviour.

8 young people worked with Motiv8, (an organisation who use mentoring and positive activities to improve behaviour) by signing up to and agreeing conditions of individual Acceptable Behaviour Contracts,
The Council also made applications for 6 ASBO’s all of which were successfully secured.

The Gosport ASB Panel is made up of representatives from a wide and varied range of organisations and includes:

Gosport Borough Council
Youth Inclusion Team
Youth Offending Team
Gosport Locality Team
Accredited Community Safety Officers
Hampshire Fire Service
Hampshire Police Authority
Motiv8
Connexions
Children’s Services
Guinness Hermitage Housing
Drum Housing Association
Portsmouth Housing Association

If you experience incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour then you can report them by using the 101 telephone number, by calling 0845 045 4545, by email found in the following link http://www.gosport.gov.uk/sections/your-council/council-services/community-safety/report-anti-social-behaviour or in emergencies only by using 999. The information provided will then be passed to the relevant Policing teams who are able to target the appropriate resources. Jamie O’Reilly Head of Community Safety Tel: (023) 9254 5501

LEE Festival

2009-05-28T22:20:00.000+01:00

Following a successful event last year the Lee Business and Lee on the Solent Residents Associations are holding another event on bank holiday Saturday, 29^th August. The provisional timing is that the event will run from 11:00 to 16:00 and organisations participating will need to set up before the start and remove their displays after the close.

This year will be focussed on ecology and we have titled the event Leecofriendly. In addition to displays and events related to ecology, energy saving etc. there will be entertainment for children and adults. Lee High Street will be closed for the day and we are inviting local community groups to have a “stall” at the event to promote their organisation and perhaps recruit members. If they are able to incorporate an ecology theme that would be particularly appropriate.

There may be opportunities for fund raising subject to the Festival Committee’s approval but not via raffles (there is an official one organised by the Associations) or street collections. If you are thinking of fundraising please let us know what you have in mind so the committee can consider it.

If your charity is interested in participating please let me know as soon as possible but in any case by 31 May as there are a limited amount of spaces available and this will give us time to consider all requests.

We will supply more detailed information to those participating nearer to the date of the event. Yours sincerely, Richard Mackay richard_mackay@hotmail.com

Send in Details of Your Events in Gosport Over the Summer

2009-05-27T22:54:00.002+01:00

If your Gosport group is having an event over the summer, if you let me have the details at ian@gosport.info and I will add them to the What's On section of Gosport.info and I could also add to my monthly newsletter and if you are able to send information about the event, they could also be added here. If your group has a web site please also let me have its address. Ian

Feeding the Forces - Temporary Exhibition at Explosion!

2009-05-27T14:12:00.000+01:00

Explosion the Museum of Naval Firepower in Priddy's Hard, Gosport, have announced the display of a temporary exhibition based on 'Royal Clarence Yard'. The exhibition titled 'Feeding the Forces' is a temporary display researched and put together by the Gosport Society with help from Gosport Borough Council. The exhibition will run until the 28th of June 2009.

The temporary exhibition is housed within the Museum Coffee Shop, it stands beside the Museum's permanent displays based on Royal Clarence Yard. The Display's are FREE to enter for all members of the public. The exhibition looks at the early history of the Royal Navy's leading victualling establishment. The exhibition will also look at the early brewery, as well as the granary and bakery buildings that still stand today. In addition, the exhibition explores food preservation and how the techniques developed in more modern times.

More information on Museum exhibitions and other events can be found by visiting www.explosion.org.uk. Please note that the Museum is open at weekends only, telephone 023 9250 5600 for more information.

‘Gosport’s Got Talent’

2009-05-26T21:32:00.002+01:00

On Sunday 14 June, residents of Gosport are being given the chance to showcase their abilities in ‘Gosport’s Got Talent’; a fun filled family competition based on the popular television series.

The competition is being held as part of Gosport’s Big Day Out, an event organised by the Gosport Partnership for the local community. Karen Morgan, owner of the Alverbank Hotel, came up with idea of running a local talent competition after watching the show. Karen says “This has never been done before in Gosport. It’s a great opportunity for the whole family to demonstrate their hidden talents. We’ve been delighted by the response so far and would welcome more entrants from all ages!”

With a range of attractions, clubs and societies offering free entry on Sunday 14 June, Gosport’s special day will culminate in a family picnic at Stokes Bay. There will be music, displays and family games and activities as well as the announcement at 6pm of the winners of ‘Gosport’s Got Talent’ and the ‘Family Treasure Hunt’.

Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Diane Searle added: “I am looking forward to joining in with Gosport’s Big Day Out this year and I am delighted to hear that the Alverbank Hotel is organising the Gosport’s Got Talent competition as part of it. I know that there are talented people of all ages in Gosport and hopefully they will want to take advantage of this prize-winning opportunity to share their talents with us.” Entry forms for this FREE competition are available from the Alverbank Hotel on Tel: (023) 9251 0005.

Full details can be found at www.go-gosport.co.uk/bigdayout

MAYOR KICK STARTS NEW ‘GREEN OFFICE’ CAMPAIGN

2009-05-26T15:39:00.003+01:00

This week, from 19th May, Gosport Borough Council begins a ‘Green Office’ campaign, the aim being to raise awareness amongst staff on their use and wastage of energy and materials. The idea is to look at ways of reducing both waste and energy use and, keen to encourage staff and lead from the front on the campaign is new Mayor, Councillor Diane Searle.

The campaign will run for 8 weeks, with two weeks each being given over to different areas including:- Switch Off, Reduce Paper, Reduce, Reuse & Recycle and Green Transport. Weeks one and two commence with a ‘Switch Off’ campaign with posters displayed in corridors and offices encouraging the last person out at night to ensure ‘everything’ is switched off. “In a large office you often find people switch off their computer when they leave, but they don’t turn off the photocopier or printer ‘in case somebody needs it’,” said Caryn Vaux, Project Officer. “The trouble then is if it’s not used, it’s left on all night wasting electricity, which multiplied by the number of photocopiers and printers in the building is a considerable waste of energy and not good for our carbon footprint.”

Stickers are also being placed on monitors to encourage switch off when at lunch or meetings and also on photocopiers to encourage a switch to powerdown mode in between use, again to reduce energy wastage. “We have also installed power down units on all computers to ensure that when staff switch off their computers at night, all sundry equipment, such as screens, printers, scanners go off at the same time and do not remain on standby,” added Caryn “Once again if you multiply the usage of 300 plus monitors on standby + printers + scanners it soon adds up. Eco-kettles have also been issued which means only the amount of water required is boiled quickly and efficiently, not a kettle full which again wastes energy.”

A team of Carbon Champions will help and advise staff on how they can make a difference. But they are not only there to give advice but to accept ideas when offered. Staff Ideas will be taken on board and if possible implemented by the Carbon Team with a certificate issued to the Greenest Office at the end of the project. “The idea isn’t that each theme should last just for a fortnight, and then things go back to the way they were,” added Caryn. “This is all about making changes for the better in the way we work here today, and in the future.”

The Council signed up to the Nottingham Declaration to Climate Change in July 2008 and since that time has been working hard to save energy and reduce waste in a bid to cut its carbon footprint. We all acknowledge that Local Authorities have a crucial role to play in responding to the challenges posed by Climate Change, but it isn’t just their job to preach to others about saving energy and reducing carbon when it comes to designing buildings, or installing boilers and insulation. This sort of change begins at the heart of any organisation, with its staff and what changes can be made in-house. It’s hoped that after two weeks people’s habits will have changed, and switching off will become a regular part of the daily routine. The Carbon team will then move on to their next challenge – to reduce the amount of paper wasted.

Recycled paper is already being used, but again it is a ‘habit’ thing and the team is hoping to encourage staff to only print things if necessary. Already paperless meetings are being held where white boards are being used to avoid the need to print out Agendas. The Agenda, Minutes, Reports etc. can all be displayed on a white screen via a computer, which means no more individually printed copies are necessary.

With the number of meetings held each year, this can result in a huge saving on paper, ink, electricity and of course reduce that all important carbon footprint.

Over the coming months more and more initiatives will be introduced to Save, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and even looking at alternative Green Travel.

It’s important that we all reduce our carbon footprint and do our bit to save the environment. Let’s start now!

For more information please contact: Caryn Vaux
Policy Officer, Head of Carbon Team
Gosport Borough Council
Tel: (023) 9254 5252

Photo: Tea for Two Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Diane Searle kicks of the Green Office Campaign by using an Eco- Kettle, which only boils enough water for the number of cups required, it doesn’t waste energy boiling a whole kettle full!

LET US GO DOWN TO THE BEACH AND REMEMBER THEM

2009-05-26T13:43:00.002+01:00

Standing on the shore at Stokes Bay, a beautiful beach on the South coast, it’s hard to imagine that sixty five years ago thousands of British and Canadian servicemen were crashing across the shingle to board ships on their way to Normandy, France.

The Normandy Landings or D-Day commenced on June 6, 1944. It was the first operation of the Allied invasion of Normandy, during World War l l, and the largest single-day amphibious invasion of all time, with 160,000 troops landing on June 6, 1944.

To commemorate the 65^th anniversary of D-Day, Gosport Borough Council is inviting veterans, family members and members of the public to return to the beach and join in a short Service of Remembrance. This will be held at 11am on Saturday 6 June at Stokes Bay. It will take place at the Canadian Memorial (opposite Pebble Beach Café) which was built to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of D-Day and which acknowledges the great number of Canadian troops who embarked at Gosport. “Our aim is to remember and give thanks for all those brave men and boys, many who set sail from our shores right here at Gosport,” said The Mayor, Councillor Diane Searle. “We wish to remember them all, those who returned safely and those who were not so fortunate and paid the highest price of all, leaving behind many grieving families.”

Many of Gosport’s older residents vividly recall tanks queuing through the town, all waiting patiently to reach their final embarkation point and their crossing to Normandy. Stokes Bay and its gently shelving beach provided the ideal spot for embarkation and so played a vitally important role. "On a cold wet and windy June day, men boarded ships without a second thought, never knowing if they would see England or their families again,” added the Mayor. “We hope that any surviving veterans, or family members of those lost will join us and the public in remembering those heroic men who fought so bravely that we might enjoy the freedom we have today.”

For more information please contact: Michelle Barrett, Mayors PA Tel: 9023) 9254 5202

Free Explosion! Museum Visit & Tours for Gosport Residents on Gosport's Big Day Out 14th June 2009

2009-05-19T12:56:00.002+01:00

The Museum of Naval Firepower at Priddy's Hard in Gosport is delighted to announce its participation in the community event 'Gosport's Big Day Out', on Sunday the 14^th of June. As part of the event, Gosport Residents can continue to tour the Museum galleries for FREE as well as visit the reserve collection, with tours being led throughout the day by Museum volunteers.

Gosport Residents have been offered free entry to the Museum as part of a scheme developed by Gosport Borough Council. The offer began in January of this year and will continue past the 'Gosport's Big Day Out' event. The additional 'behind the scenes' tours begin at 10am, 12noon and 2pm from the Museum's Coffee Shop. Both the Museum and reserve collection tours are FREE to Gosport Residents, although residents will need to show proof of residency on arrival.

Marc Farrance, Visitor Services Officer at The Museum of Naval Firepower said, "80% of our collection is stored behind the scenes. We are delighted to offer the public this rare opportunity to see some unique items not usually on display. We encourage residents to reserve their places well in advance, as we expect demand to be very high for these tours".

Tickets for the 'behind the scenes' tours are available by calling 023 9250 5600. More information on this and other events can be found by visiting www.explosion.org.uk. We advise that all tickets are reserved in advance due to increased popularity.

Plant Sale - Grange Farm 30th and 31st May 2009

2009-05-19T12:40:00.003+01:00

STAND BY YOUR BEDS! - IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE

When the sun shines we are instantly drawn to our garden, wanting to get out there and inject new life and colour to herald the arrival of spring. But first we have to clean out those flower beds and purchase some replacements!

For most of us that means a trip to the nurseries. But you may not have to go as far as you think. For Gosport Borough Council has a wonderful asset in that it has its very own Nursery at Grange Farm, Gosport, where it produces the tens of thousands of plants needed to decorate the Borough.

Over the weekend of Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, the nursery will open its doors to members of the public so they too can peruse and purchase some magnificent plants to brighten their garden.

The Nursery staff are very experienced and as well as providing wonderful plants for Foster Gardens, Stanley Park and the Falkland Gardens and for the beds, roundabouts and hanging baskets throughout the Borough, they also provide stunning floral displays for indoor events such as the annual Mayormaking ceremony. The staff will be on hand to offer advice over the weekend along with a range of plants for purchase including:-
A variety of summer bedding plants
Perennials and shrubs
Assorted alpines
A bargain table with plants at just 50p and £1 each
Ornamental grasses
Plus a surplus stock of indoor tropical plants

The Nursery situated at Grange Farm, Little Woodham Lane off Howe Road Rowner, will be open from 8.30am to 3.30pm on both Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May 2009.

Grange Nursery can also provide floral displays for everything from a corporate event to a wedding, or plant up personal hanging baskets if required. For more information on either of these services please contact Nursery Supervisor, Edwina Hoey on Tel: (023) 9251 1156 or e-mail edwina.hoey@gosport.gov.uk

BE A TOURIST FOR THE DAY - DISCOVER GOSPORT!

2009-05-18T11:12:00.002+01:00

Be a tourist for the day and discover just what Gosport has to offer! That’s the message from the team behind ‘Gosport’s Big Day Out’, a major community event being held on Sunday 14 June.

The event follows the formula established last year in which local tourist attractions provided free or heavily-discounted entry to local residents. In addition, a range of local sports and venues opened their doors to provide ‘taster’ sessions to encourage people to have a go and try something new. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, as the list of participating attractions and clubs is even greater. The event is being driven forward by Gosport Borough Council in conjunction with a range of tourism-related businesses. It came about as a result of a decision by The Gosport Partnership to focus on improving the image of the Borough.

The aim of the event is to showcase to local people what the Borough has to offer and to encourage a ‘feel-good factor’ about living in Gosport. An event guide has just been published which lists the full range of activities available on the day. This is available at a range of outlets throughout the Borough including major attractions, the Town Hall and the Tourist Information Centre. To make it easier for residents to visit as many attractions as possible on the day, a special hop-on and off Roverbus has been commissioned.

In addition, Stokes Bay will be the venue for a programme of family entertainment from 4pm to 8pm. With music, a hog roast, displays by the Coastguard, a Red Arrows flypast and a range of fantastic inflatable activities for children and adults, the evening is destined to be fun for all.

Fiona Slaven, Manager Director of Harrington Holiday Homes and member of the Big Day Out Working group says “This event is the result of hard work by a dedicated group to bring together the best of Gosport for local residents. We’re confident that thousands of people will turn up with their family and friends to enjoy the day”. Councillor Diane Searle, Mayor of Gosport added: “This is a great event for the people of Gosport. We would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of what the Borough has to offer and to tell your friends, family and work colleagues too!”

For up-to-date information about participating attractions, activities and visitor information during Gosport’s Big Day Out, check out the website at www.go-gosport.co.uk/bigdayout

For more information please contact: Lynda Dine Tel: (023) 9254 5231