HAYLING ISLAND COMMUNITY BOARD
A note for faith communities on the island.

This note goes to all churches on the Island that belong to Churches Together. It will also go to any representatives of other faiths communities on the Island who can be identified.

What?

The Hayling Island Community Board affects your quality of life now and for the future. It is currently spending £50,000 on improvements to “Liveability” on the Island, and has had a major say in spending £3 Million more by Havant Borough Council. You will have read the monthly reports in The Hayling Islander. It is up for renewal. Go to www.havant.gov.uk/havant-4100 for the full story.

Why?

It matters to us in the faith communities because:

• The civil administration needs to be influenced by people who live a moral code, who witness to that code and are identified by that witness.
• For Anglicans of the Portsmouth Diocese, this is Kairos in action.
• Havant Borough Council now works to priorities set by the Havant Community Partnership (on which the faith community is represented by a URC Minister), which in its turn is advised by the six new Community Boards, one for Hayling Island.
  (See the HBC publication Stronger Together- A Community Strategy for Havant Borough obtainable in the Library or from HBC offices.)

• If the faith communities are to be heard by the civil administration, they need to engage with it – and this is the new, effective, modern way to do so.

Who?

The HI Community Board, which is non-political by its constitution, started last July. Among its 15 members for this year is Nigel Chilcott, who stands for the “faith community” (He is a churchwarden of St Peter’s Church). Others come from a selection of organizations such as Age Concern, medicine, HIRA, NEHRA, and the riding paths scheme, but half of the members are simply residents of the island.

When?

In September there will be an AGM and election of Board members for the next year, date and venue to be announced in The Hayling Islander.

How?

Anyone of the faith communities on the Island may put themselves forward to join the Board, either as an individual resident or on behalf of the faith communities. Election will take place at the AGM, prospective members need to be there and deliver a 200 word statement on their suitability. A desire work for the community is the best qualification. Selection will be made by people present at the AGM.

Next?

For the future, the Community Board will champion the community, ensuring that it is actively involved in the decision making processes for planning and provision of local services.

Any questions? Please contact Nigel Chilcott, Tel 02392462743 or email Nigel.chilcott@btinternet.com or the HBC Link Officer, Richard Taylor on 02392446