October 2014 - Lee Residents

www.leeresidents.org.uk
MEMBERS’ NEWSLETTER FOR
NOVEMBER 2014
Churchill tanks waiting to embark for D-Day at Lee-on-the-Solent




Upcoming events
New developments
Local information
Current Committee Members
www.facebook.com/LeeResidentsAssociation
1
INDEX
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS- PAST AND FUTURE
Annual General Meeting
26
BOOST events
18
Coach trip
38
Christmas social evening
11
D-Day commemoration
61
Events since the last newsletter
15
Family Fun Day
66
Focus youth group
25
Lee Historic Walk and Talk
65
Upcoming events
5
TRANSPORT
Bus services
32
Subsidised bus services
34
Dual purpose footpaths and cycle-ways
28
GENERAL
Chairman’s report
8
Cherque Farm Post Office
37
Dementia Friendly Hampshire
21
Gosport & Lee-on-the-Solent Lions Club
16
Gosport Marine Scene
12
HSBC Closure
52
2
Lee Business Association
19
Membership
23
Large Marquee and Gazebo
38
National Women’s Register
26
Royal British Legion
17
Scams
53
Update from our local M.P.
62
The wild side of Lee
13
HEALTH
55
Defibrillators
58
Lee-on-the-Solent Community Responders
59
LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS
Pedestrian crossing on Marine Parade between
Pier Street and Milvil Road
27
PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE
39
Daedalus aviation news
49
Daedalus update
45
Planning applications
39
St Faith’s Vicarage site development
43
3
CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
(As on 18th October, 2014)
CHAIRMAN
Martin Marks
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN & LIAISON Jock Thompson
WITH BUSINESSES
SECRETARY
Pam Ingram
TREASURER
Antoinette Ashworth
COMMITTEE MEMBERS :
Stuart Ashworth
Membership
Chris Austin
Road etc. Infrastructure
Michael Chapman
Events
Ray Harding
Fundraising, Publicity &
Projects
Richard Hedley
Environment
Dave Knox
Membership Recruitment
Richard Mackay
Alison Roast
Newsletter
Planning
Zoe Wakefield
Education
ADVISORS
Geoff Burrows
Public transport
All committee members can be contacted by email at [email protected], by mail to 24, Swanage Road, Lee-on-the-Solent.
PO13 9JW or via our secretary on 023 92 551547
Stuart Ashworth maintains the membership list and can be contacted
at [email protected] or by phone on 023 92 553033
4
Bee Keeping
A representative of Fareham and District
Bee Keepers’ Association will talk about
keeping bees in an urban environment
Tuesday, 25th November at 7:30 p.m.
in the Methodist Church Hall, High Street.
Admission is free to members.
Members’ Social Evening
Saturday, 29th November from 7.30 p.m.
in the Bulson Hall,
St Faith’s Church, Victoria Square.
Food and drinks for members, with music
and a raffle
Meet other members,
renew old friendships and make new ones
FREE to members
More information on page 11
5
Question your Councillors
Hear our Councillors describe their and the Council’s
plans for next year and answer questions on any topics relevant to Gosport or Hampshire Councils
Tuesday, 27th January 2015
at 7:30 p.m.
in the Methodist Church Hall, High
Street.
Admission is free to members.
Meon Valley Heartstart
Another CPR training session has been arranged
Thursday, 5th March 2015 starting at 2:00 p.m.
in the Methodist Church Hall, Lee High Street.
If you would like to book a place please
call
Ray Harding on 023 92 551706
Admission is free to members but a donation to the MVH is requested
6
Annual General Meeting
and talk about Lee Business Association by their
Chair, Debbie Watts
Tuesday, 24th March 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
in the Methodist Church Hall, High Street
Admission for members only
More details on page 26
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Rob Watkins will talk to us about BDMLR
which is dedicated to the rescue and wellbeing of marine animals in distress around
the UK
Tuesday, 26th May 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
in the Methodist Church Hall, High Street.
Admission is free to members but a donation to the
BDMLR is requested
7
Ian Lycett, Chief Executive, Gosport Borough
Council
Ian will talk about plans for
Gosport’s future.
Tuesday, 23rd June 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
in the Methodist Church Hall, High Street.
Admission is free to members.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
St Faith’s Vicarage site
Disquiet over the plans to develop the
St Faith’s vicarage site into a housing estate – for that is really
what it is – continues, with more protest letters, a petition and
even reluctance from some local estate agents to take on the development project sale. There is a full article on page 43
8
Focus Youth Club
Richard Mackay, Cllr Graham Burgess and I have been making
efforts to try to ensure the future of the Focus Youth Club
which meets twice a week in Lee for two age groups of young
people. Since the County Council ceased running the club in
2012, Lee Residents have sourced funding from the County
Council and elsewhere for the club which has been run with qualified, professional staff from the charity, Groundwork. The
County Council grant was reduced this year but with the support
of an HCC Councillor grant from Graham Burgess and Groundwork covering some costs from their reserves, the club will be
able to continue until March next year.
If we cannot source other funding for next year the club will
have to reduce its activities.
Footpaths and cycle ways
We have been picking up negative feedback from both cyclists
and pedestrians about minor conflicts of use of the shared
footpaths and cycle-ways now found around Lee. Did you know
that there are two different types? See the article on page 28
Browndown Hedges
The open heath land area adjacent to Portsmouth Road between
the seafront and Cherque Way is well overdue for some pruning
work. Appeals to the responsible department have been unsuccessful so far. The length of some of the brambles projecting
over the footpath or cycle paths has moved from being a nuisance to hazardous in places.
9
Daedalus 70th D-Day event and the new book
You may have heard a rumour of a possible new coffee table
book based on the highly successful 70 th D-Day event at Lee.
The latest news is that the editor’s personal work load is pushing completion out to a target of circa March 2015.
Gosport Neighbourhood Watch
I attended the Neighbourhood Watch AGM in the Bulson Hall
on 27th Sept. There was a wide ranging discussion about local
security issues and some more discussion on bikes and pedestrians. The local police Community Support Group were there in
force including the local Chief Inspector. Help is available to
residents in Lee who would like to form a street or neighbourhood watch group. We can put you in
touch with the local Watch.
Association Committee update
Your committee is looking a bit thin
in places and needs some “fresh blood”!
Our Health member Mark Wagstaff has developed more commitments in the wider NHS arena and wishes to stand down. If
you have any medical, nursing or related admin experience you
would be most welcome as would someone with an interest in
health matters and enthusiasm. This role could be carried out
either as a member of the committee or if preferred without
joining the committee.
June Tipping has been our corresponding member with the Gosport Older Person’s Forum but has decided to stand down. Do you
10
attend or would you be interested in attending the Forum and giving feedback to the Association? This mainly relates to newsletter articles. More information at: www.gosportopforum.org.uk/
The Planning sub-committee, which also oversees progress on the
Daedalus site, is a busy group and Alison, Brian and Maurice would
be grateful for some help. Enthusiasm and interest are a must,
technical background or experience a bonus.
Potential volunteers are requested to make contact via our email
address: [email protected] or by phoning me on 023 92
550698 with some background of their interests and experience.
Martin Marks
CHRISTMAS SOCIAL EVENING
The Annual Social Event takes place on Saturday 29 th November
in the Bulson Hall at St Faith’s Church from 7.30pm.
We offer wine, soft drinks, a buffet, music and a
few raffle prizes to members only. Our local MP,
local councillors and a few local dignitaries are invited as guests.
There is NO CHARGE to members.
Do come along and meet your committee and fellow
members in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Feedback from past years has always been very positive. There
should be an invitation card included in your newsletter.
Martin Marks
11
GOSPORT MARINE SCENE (GMS)
John Beavis interviewed by Lee Residents’ Association
The thriving yachting scene in the Solent is literally on our doorstep and we all know about Cowes and the Hamble. But not everyone knows that on the sheltered western
shore of Portsmouth Harbour, Gosport is home to the biggest
concentration of yachts and services on the south coast. Last
year, a network – Gosport Marine Scene - was set up to give a
voice to the 120+ marine businesses. Cllr John Beavis, Lee West,
is the Council’s Adviser to the network and he agreed to be interviewed by Lee Residents.
What is Gosport Marine Scene for? ‘We are raising the profile
of Gosport as the yachting centre with everything: riggers, slipways, shipwrights, sail makers, boatlifts, dry-docks and chandlers – it really is all here. We want boaters to be able to plug
into all these services, but we are also putting the businesses in
touch with each other. With the help of Southampton Solent
University we have set up a website which can be opened on a
laptop, a tablet or a mobile: visit www.gosportmarinescene.com’
Who is behind GMS? ‘The directors are business men and women, and others who believe in Gosport and in growing its economy. I am one of three Advisors; the others are from Haslar Marina and the Marine Advertising Agency. Caroline Dinenage, MP
launched GMS last year and is a dedicated supporter. Our chief
of staff is Peter Cardy who retired from the Tall Ships Races at
the right moment. He headed seven non-profit organisations
during his career, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.’
12
We wanted to know who is being paid and how much. ‘Here’s the
remarkable thing. GMS is a non-profit organisation, a community
interest company. Nobody gets paid anything and at present, we
use no funds. But we have been able to do a tremendous amount
on a shoestring. For example, we are helping Sir Ben Ainslie to
put together his challenge for the America’s Cup. His HQ will be
in Old Portsmouth, but most of the backup services he needs are
found in Gosport.’
And the rising generation? ‘Growing the marine economy means
jobs and careers. GMS is encouraging our schools and colleges to
run the courses that will skill-up the next generation of workers.
First we’ve got to get the young people interested, so next June
we are holding the Gosport Marine Festival that will give everyone a chance to get afloat and find out what it’s about.’ GMS is
seeking sponsors for this event.
THE WILD SIDE OF LEE
“When Autumn Leaves are Falling”
The colours of Autumn are never so dramatic around the mild
and windy town of Lee, as they are up country, nevertheless it is
slowly happening all around us. We live on the clay coastal plain
of the Hampshire Coast, where the most characteristic tree is
the Common Oak. The oak is one of the last trees to come into
leaf and the last to lose its leaves, probably in mid-November,
but other trees are changing colour earlier. Hazels and Blackthorn in the hedgerows of Manor Way and Brune Way have already changed and the Silver Birches in my garden and on
Browndown are just beginning to turn to that brilliant yellow,
Cont/..
13
with outstanding silver branches; branches which will shine out
on the dullest of December days. Leaves fall around us in slow
succession and my wife despairs of ever controlling the pile of
leaves blown around the back door. If only nature would get on
with it, we could put the
brooms away and finish the
compost heap; but leaf fall
is a slow process in which
the
trees
literally
grow
their tired spent leaves off
the stem, by growing an abscission layer (a cutting off
layer) at the base of the
leaf stem, until the leaf is
left fluttering on a little
central stalk. A good frost
would expand the water in
An ancient
oak
the abscission layer and the
leaves would all snap off together. In Lee, frost is just
what we do not get until much later in the year, so leaves gradually drop off or are swept off sporadically by gusts of wind.
So the people of Lee enjoy or endure a prolonged and gradual
FALL
Richard Hedley, October 2014
.
14
EVENTS SINCE THE LAST NEWSLETTER
Family Fun Day
All those attending seemed to enjoy themselves. A full report is
on page 66
Talks
We have had some interesting talks since the last newsletter.
On June 24th Peter Marsh, the Deputy Principal of Fareham College described the project to open the new CEMAST College and
the courses it will be offering. Most impressive. Did you know
that there is a Costa coffee bar in the glass foyer that is open to
all?
On September 23rd , after a gap of a year, we welcomed back Esther Croft, the Area Manager of Hants, Dorset & Isle of Wight
for the Homes and Community Agency. She is effectively the
government’s site manager for Daedalus. She gave an update on
what is happening at Daedalus and key points are incorporated in
the article on page 45.
Meon Valley Heartstart
On the 2nd October David Williamson ran a CPR teaching session
at the Methodist Church Hall. The session included films, interactive questions and demonstrations on an Annie Dummy which
the 25 attendees practiced on.
All attendees received a certificate stating that they had attended a course in "Emergency Life Support".
A total of 75 people have now received Heartstart CPR training
organised by Lee Residents’ Association.
15
GOSPORT & LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT
LIONS CLUB
Invite YOU to join and Make a Difference
The Gosport & Lee-on-the-Solent Lions Club is
seeking civic-minded men and women to join them in making a difference in the community. The club meets at Court Barn, Lee-onthe-Solent on the first Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m.
“Our club gives members the opportunity to advance worthy causes, serve with friends, and become leaders in our community. This
club means a lot to our Lions, but it means so much more to the
people we serve,” said 2014/15 President, Lion Patricia Homer.
“We want to share the great things we’re doing in the community,
and let others know how they can help,” said Pat.
The Lions’ motto is “We Serve,” and the Gosport & Lee-on-theSolent Lions Club has lived up to it for 50 years. The club is involved with the Message in a Bottle initiative and SpecTrek and it
supports many local charities and projects and can be seen regularly at community events around the area.
To learn more about the Club or its service projects, contact our
Secretary Carole Gratton 0845 833 9887 or
email [email protected]
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organisation
in the world. Its 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs
are serving communities in 207 countries and geographical areas
16
around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind
and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.co.uk.
Lion David Andrews
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (RBL)
We have previously mentioned that the
RBL would be leasing one unit of the
shop that was previously Cole’s Fireplaces. Some people have wondered what is
happening as the shop still remains empty. We have confirmed with the RBL
that the delay is simply due to solicitors
taking time to agree the lease but the
unit should shortly be in use by them and also provide a drop in
centre for Service and ex Service people to obtain information
and advice.
17
LEE COMMUNITY BOOST EVENT
Get a BOOST
Bring yourself to
Our community event and get
Outstanding value and
Services from Lee community groups
Today in the Methodist Church Hall
Held on the Third Wednesday of each month, in the Methodist
Church Hall, Lee. between 9:00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
The BOOST event is now an established event in the Lee Community, with around 70 groups participating throughout the last
year. The dates for the rest of 2014 and for 2015 are available
on www.leeresidents.org.uk - BOOST Events and on the Lee
Residents’
Association
LeeResidentsAssociation.
Facebook
site
www.facebook.com/
Forthcoming Dates in the next few
months are 19th November and 17th December 2014 and for
2015, 21st January, 18th February, and 18th March.
GBC Streetscene Recycling Garden Waste Bags are on sale at all
the Events.
Other groups that attend are Police Surgery Team, Gosport
Tourist Information Centre, Gosport and Lee Lions, craft businesses, dolls’ house furniture and clothes, cards, eco-friendly
products, wood turning, Gosport Voluntary Action groups and
some Gosport Borough Council departments, namely Energy Efficiency, Lee in Bloom team and Older Persons’ Services.
18
If you are interested in taking part in these monthly events, or with fundraising activities, contact Ray Harding on 023 92 551706 or via our website.
LEE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
New team
There is a new team leading the Lee Business
Association. It comprises:

Chairman: Debbie Watts of Solent Mobility

Vice Chairs: Karen Jones of Jemco and
Suzanne Nunn of Barnardo’s


Treasurer: Gordon Day
Secretary: Barbara Atherton
One of their first planned events is The Spirit of Christmas on
Friday 5th December.
They hope to have the High Street and most of Pier Street
closed so that they can put on a “Big Show”.
Please put that date in your diaries and note that it may start
earlier in the afternoon because there will be so much going on.
And, of course, volunteers are always welcome.
The committee has also had a presentation by John James
about the Dementia Action Alliance. The Alliance is promoting
the concept of Dementia Friendly High Streets where shopkeepers and businesses volunteer, train their staff and make
their premises more accessible for dementia sufferers. This is
a very hot topic just now as people learn more about the problem so we hope that this catches on here in Lee.
19
Closure of HSBC Bank in Lee to ruin
Christmas for shopkeepers.
As all are probably aware and as mentioned
on page 49, our local Branch of HSBC is to
close in November.
You may have thought that it had given an undertaking that it
would not close this Branch as long as it was the only bank here
but you will find that it is citing the Co-operative Branch as an
alternative.
In fact, the Co-operative Bank does not offer as many facilities
and some HSBC users feel that the service will not be so personal
or friendly.
Lee Residents’ Association
cannot comment on this but we are
certainly aware that the change will very much affect the business community for the worse. Their wish to deposit cash and get
change for their tills will be badly impacted – especially in the run
up to Christmas.
The shopkeepers and the Lee Business Association are very keen
to persuade HSBC to change its mind.
Our four ward Councillors and our MP, Caroline Dinenage have
written a joint letter to HSBC with no reply to date. The business
association is collecting signatures on a petition.
20
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY HAMPSHIRE
If you have a friend or family member who has
been diagnosed with, or is showing potential signs
of dementia, did you know that Hampshire is
working towards becoming a leading Dementia Friendly Community? This means that there is a great deal of work being done
to increase awareness of dementia across the county.
Hampshire County Council has joined forces with one of the
county’s leading mental health and wellbeing charities, Andover
Mind, to create communities where people living with dementia
can live a good life - ensuring that they can feel safe and can
find their way around with confidence. We are working to ensure that more people understand those with dementia and can
help them as they go about their everyday life.
The Dementia Friendly Hampshire team knows it’s important
for people with dementia to carry on doing the things they enjoy and need to do, like getting on a bus and going shopping, to
the bank, library or church, meet up with
friends and participate in hobbies. As well as
working to ensure that they can continue with
their day to day tasks, we can also help to ensure that people with dementia keep in touch
and spend time with others who are in a similar situation.
21
The aim is for people to have a greater awareness of what dementia is and how those who have been diagnosed might be feeling. We are working to promote the need for understanding,
clear communication, patience and support throughout Hampshire. Ultimately, we want to forge a community spirit in which
people with dementia will be able to live independently for longer, but with help and support when they need it.
Did you know?

Only about 45% of people with dementia receive a diagnosis. This is a real shame because it means that many people
are missing out on a lot of help and support that is available to them. With an early diagnosis, people can also plan
for the future.

Hampshire is proudly leading the way to become a Dementia Friendly community. This means that there are dementia-friendly High Streets, shops, transport providers, leisure facilities, charities, support groups and organisations
county-wide that are ready to help.
For further information, please contact:
Diane Bizley, Local Area Co-ordinator,
Dementia Friendly Communities Fareham/
Gosport:
[email protected] or
phone: 07827 371 546.
22
MEMBERSHIP
At the time of writing this, our 1,000 milestone, which we passed
for the first time earlier this year, is a distant memory, with
membership now proudly standing at over 1,080 (and more than
700 addresses). It is heartening to see the number of new members being drawn from new arrivals into Lee as well as current
residents finally finding out about us. Thanks are due to all our
members who actively promote us to new neighbours and friends
as it is through your activity that we will continue to increase our
influence within our village. Please keep it up!
This issue contains our annual “Membership Renewal Reminder”.
Whether renewing or joining for the first time, please place your
membership fees (still only £3 per single person or £5 per couple
living at the same address) in an envelope together with the completed renewal form and drop it off at either The Bookshop on
the High Street or The Beach Store and More on Marine Parade
from December 1st onwards. (If already paying by standing order, you need not do this.) It will help us tremendously if you can
do this proactively during December as this makes it much easier
for us in January and avoids our membership card deliverer (yes –
there is only one) having to go repeatedly to the same roads
(even though he can surely do with the exercise!).
If getting out to the High St is becoming a struggle for you, we
are again extending a “door to door “service to assist. Just phone Stuart Ashworth (02392 553033)
after December 1st and he
23
Cont/..
will organise a suitable time to deliver your cards and take your
annual subscription fees from you. Simple!!
For the first time, the June newsletter was available for purchase in The Bookshop for those of you who wanted to give a
copy as a small gift or send to friends and relatives who have
moved away. As we have sold a number of copies in the past
three months, we will be continuing this experiment. So if you
want any extra copies, then get along to The Bookshop! Please
remember that we do not place them on sale until the majority
of our members have received their own issues, so do allow a
couple of weeks for them to appear.
If you have not received an email from us in the last three or
four months alerting you to upcoming events, please send an
email to [email protected] giving your name and address
and we will update our records. We do NOT share your information with anyone else.
PLEASE also remember to add into your
contacts the following two Lee Residents’ Association email addresses as
this will prevent any of our communications disappearing into your spam box
without trace:[email protected] AND
[email protected]
24
FOCUS YOUTH CLUB
The Chairman’s report on page 8 refers to the funding of this
club.
After finishing a healthy lifestyle project that covered the
whole of summer, we moved onto September's ready steady cook
challenge and project. Young people got involved with making
their own burgers, pizzas, cakes and lots of other meals from
scratch. Everyone is always happy to join in with cooking sessions.
The beginning of October focused on sessions based around gender equality and “stoptober” - smoking and alcohol awareness,
discussing risky behaviour and effects on the body. Nearer the
end of October we will be starting to create Halloween crafts as
well as doing pumpkin carving, games and a film night on Halloween.
In November we will move onto more friendship and teambuilding
activities as well as homemade gifts/decorations for Christmas.
Sessions are becoming busier and busier with 25-30 young people
per session and lots of new faces.
25
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 24 th March
2015 in the Methodist Hall, High Street at 7.30pm. Admission
is for paid-up members only, so please remember to bring your
membership card, as you will need it to vote.
Subscriptions can be renewed and new members
registered at the door on the night.
At the AGM we will be reviewing the last year
and updating you on things happening in Lee-on-the-Solent. We
will also have a talk about the Lee Business Association and their
plans.
If you would like to serve as a committee member or want to
nominate someone, please contact our Honorary Secretary, Pam
Ingram, 28, Grayson Close, Lee-on-the-Solent, PO13 8BH. We
would be delighted to have new committee members and if you
would like to discuss informally what is involved, please call
Martin Marks on 023 92 550698.
NATIONAL WOMEN’S REGISTER
Following the article in our last Newsletter,
NWR Lee-on-the-Solent became a new
group on September 1st 2014. It has 9 members and is still
growing. We have lunched, discussed, walked and talked and in
October we will have a speaker. We meet at 11am on Mondays
in each other’s’ homes. We do not have committees, agendas or
26
paperwork. We all have an equal say in what our group chooses
to do. Why not join us?
Are you a woman looking for a way to connect with other women
in your area through lively discussion and conversation, both serious and light-hearted?
We are: open-minded, welcoming, friendly, respectful, interested in all issues, particularly those relevant to women's lives.
We are not: political, religious, campaigning, judgemental, fundraising, or a pressure group.
To find out more about the NWR, please visit the website:
www.nwr.org.uk .
To find out about the new group in Lee on the Solent, please
contact:
Jenny
Watkins,
02392554685
or
email
[email protected]
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON
MARINE PARADE BETWEEN
PIER STREET AND MILVIL
ROAD
As part of the work to create a shared
cycleway along Marine Parade, the area
around the car park was substantially altered and a new “Toucan”
crossing installed.
27
Toucan crossings are designed for both pedestrians and cyclists
and are typically used adjacent to a cycle-path (Cyclists are not
allowed to cross the road using Zebra, Pelican or Puffin crossings). There is a green cycle symbol alongside the green man. At
the latest Toucan crossings the crossing time is established
each time by on-crossing detectors.
This is an improvement to previous crossings as, under the box with the button to press for crossing,
partially sighted or blind pedestrians can feel a
switch which goes round when the green man is flashing and the beep beep noise is playing. This should
increase safety for blind, partially sighted and deaf pedestrians.
Alison Roast
DUAL PURPOSE FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE-WAYS
From the evidence of the emails and discussions within Lee Residents’ Association over the past weeks many of us have experienced incidents resulting from the joint use of footpaths and cycle-ways. Most of them, unfortunately, are not positive!
The various new road improvement schemes planned for our area
over the next few years will enable cyclists to be segregated from
vehicles. This has got to be the correct trend as it will be safer
and avoid traffic (particularly in Newgate Lane) being slowed down
as a result of cyclists using the road.
28
Thus shared footpaths and cycle-ways will be something we will
be seeing more of as the new road schemes come to fruition.
The chances are that there will be increased possibilities of
incidents between pedestrians and cyclists. If everyone was
reasonable and considerate to other users, these difficulties
wouldn’t arise but alas, this is not always the case.
There are essentially two types of dual purpose footpaths and
cycle-ways. One is “segregated” where pedestrians and cyclists
have designated lanes (see sign below right) and the other is
“shared” where there is no segregation between the users
(below centre). Examples of the segregated pathway can be
seen alongside Browndown and the shared pathway has recently
been completed along the seaward side of Marine Parades East
and West.
These signs can also be repeated
on the path surface (left).
To add to the confusion, the shared pathway sign is not even
shown in the edition of the Highway Code Road Signs currently
online. To be frank though, how many people look up the latest
29
edition regularly anyway? For the government to
assume that all road and path users will become
aware of minor changes in The Highway Code is
convenient and inexpensive but naive at best and
possibly dangerous!
As a reminder, Section 62 of the Highway Code on Cycle Tracks
states: “These are normally located away from the road, but may
occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists
and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same
space
(unsegregated).
When
using
segregated
tracks
you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing
pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and
stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have
difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.”
Should you cycle on a bridleway, take care - the right to cycle on
a bridleway is subject to an obligation on cyclists to “give way to
pedestrians and persons on horseback”. (Countryside Act 1968)
To repeat a comment made above, the key is for all users to behave in a considerate manner to other
users and, around Lee, to be aware of
the difference between a shared and
a
segregated
footpath/cycleway.
Watch out for the signs.
30
Under these circumstances what can Lee Residents do to support the local community? Our suggestion of more signage to
make users aware of the need for courtesy/consideration
where there is joint use is unlikely to progress as Hampshire
County Council (HCC) advises that there is very limited scope
for this as regulations determine which signs and markings can
be installed and where they can and cannot be used. We believe
they could find a way to do it if they really put their mind to it.
Pedestrians do need to be more aware of cyclists using the cycle way, particularly when they join the path, and likewise cyclists need to be more aware of pedestrians joining the shared
pathway and adjusting their speed accordingly.
Thanks to Lee Councillor Chris Carter for arranging informed
comment on the draft article from HCC road safety experts.
We are trying to spread the word further with possibly a future article in Gosport Borough Council’s Coastline magazine.
The map on the next page shows the cycle-ways in Lee.
Chris Austin/Martin Marks
31
BUS SERVICES
Route changes
Since the latest round of bus route changes, there have been
complaints about the lack of bus stops between Elmore Road
and Twyford Drive (Community Centre). A number of elderly
residents in the area who formerly used the Fell Drive stop
are unable to walk the greater distance to these stops.
32
Buses are a responsibility of Hampshire County Council. However
in view of local residents’ concerns, Councillor Beavis is part of
the working group which has been involved and have reviewed
the issue with GBC’s Overview and Scrutiny board. The findings
have been presented to HCC and discussions held with Firstbus.
Graham Burgess in his role as an HCC Councillor has also asked if the bus route could be
changed to go clockwise round Fell/Twyford,
instead of anti-clockwise, thereby eliminating
the need for a new bus stop. As at our publication date, he has not had a response.
Bus stop improvements
HCC have agreed to improve the bus stops on Fell Drive between
Esmonde Close and Smeeton Road.
Work will include provision of bus
shelters and new raised bus access
kerbing to aid accessibility. As part of
the work, the pavements will be made
good and new road markings painted.
The finer details are currently being
agreed with the involvement of Councillor Burgess.
It is expected the work will be carried out in late November and
take about two weeks during which time there will be a temporary bus stop nearby.
33
New travel cards
A new card is now available for fare-paying passengers for unlimited bus travel anywhere in south Hampshire. The 'SolentGo
Card' costs £8.00 per day, £30.00 per week or £100.00 per
month. The card can be used on all the major operators’ buses,
including Firstbus, Stagecoach and GoAhead. Gosport ferry and
Hovercraft tickets may also be added to the card for seamless
travel. For full details log on to www.solentgo.co.uk
A new park & ferry “SolentGo” card is to be introduced. It will
cost £89 per calendar month. This will give a day’s parking and
a ferry ticket for every day in the month.
Application forms are held at the Ferry
Ticket Office.
Geoff Burrows
SUBSIDISED BUS SERVICES
Background
As mentioned in our last Newsletter, Hampshire County Council
(HCC) has significant budget reductions to make.
Public and community transport services account for £1 in every
£3 spent on roads and transport.
The Transport Act 1985 requires HCC to identify socially necessary bus services which are not provided by the commercial bus
operators but does not set out the level of support required.
34
HCC also has to implement the national travel concession scheme.
Currently the most significant subsidies are:

subsidising services which are not commercially viable but
are considered socially necessary - buses £4.7 million, ferries £0.2 million.

community transport services such as Dial a Ride for those
unable to use public transport - £0.9 million

the concessionary travel scheme - £13.5 million which includes £0.3 million for enhancements to the national scheme
for older residents

provision of electronic and printed information and bus stop
improvements - £0.5 million
Consultation
The consultation we referred to last time has been completed.
Responses were received from almost 200 organisations and over
3,200 individuals. 66% of the respondents
were holders of an older person’s concessionary pass.
Results were similar to those of 2011 which
favoured prioritising weekday daytime journeys as meeting the widest range of needs for food shopping and
doctor’s appointments.
The responses favoured retaining the current days of service
where possible, even if the frequency was reduced.
35
Recommendations
A decision is due to be made on 27th October by HCC’s Executive
Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, Sean Woodward (who is also the leader of Fareham Borough Council).
The recommendation being made to him by the
Director of Economy, Transport and Environment is that:

the hours of use of the older person’s pass come into line
with the national statutory scheme from April 2015.

the travel times for holders of older person’s passes come in
to line with the statutory scheme and that the 09:00 to
09:30 extension on Monday to Friday be discontinued except
on those routes where there is currently a departure between 09:00 and 09:29 and no further departure until after
10:31.

The 21 bus will no longer serve Lee. The stated reasons for
this are the low usage, that there is an alternative half
hourly service from Lee to Fareham and most of the journeys identified in a survey were to Asda which is served by
the “Asda shopper bus”.
Enhancements to the statutory scheme will be:

free travel at all times for “Disabled Hampshire Pass” holders on journeys commencing in Hampshire to destinations in
England;

companion travel – certain Hampshire pass holders who have
been issued with a ‘Companion Pass’ can be accompanied by a
36

companion who is eligible for the same free travel benefits
as the pass holder;

half fare travel on community transport services such as Dial-a-Ride providing that the pass holder meets all relevant
eligibility criteria.

travel vouchers worth £32 as an alternative concession for
those entitled to a disabled person’s pass.
The full documentation and recommendations can be found on the
Lee Residents website in the transport section.
CHERQUE FARM POST OFFICE
The way services are offered is changing. Instead of being offered from separate screened counters, services would
be offered from a till on the retail
counter.
This would mean longer operating hours – 07:00 to 23:00, seven
days a week. Offsetting the benefit of much longer opening hours
would be the removal of the following services:

Parcelforce Worldwide International Parcels

Transcash bill payments (if there is no bar code).

on demand travel insurance

payment by cheque.
37
COACH TRIP
Pam Tree, who organises the distribution of this Newsletter, is
arranging two coach trips:
to the Christmas show and dinner at Bashley on Wednesday,
10th December. The coach will be leaving at approximately
10:15 a.m. The all-inclusive cost is £40.
to the Brighton Ice Show on Thursday, 8 th January 2015 to
see the 7:30 p.m. performance. The allinclusive cost is £44
In both cases the coach will leave from
Lee High Street.
To book please call Pam on 023 92
552476.
LARGE MARQUEE & GAZEBO
AVAILABLE TO BORROW
LeeResidents has a large marquee and
gazebo, ideal for home entertaining in
the garden. It is 30 ft. x 10 ft.
(marquee) and 10ft x 10ft (gazebo) and is available to members
in return for a donation (£10 per day suggested).
Contact Ray Harding on 023 92 551706 or, if he is not available,
any committee member (see page 4).
38
PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE
The planning sub-committee, chaired by Alison Roast, has also
taken over responsibility for all aspects of the development of
Daedalus including those matters not requiring planning consent
such as the management of the site, commercial changes, aviation
news etc. We are hoping to arrange a site visit at Daedalus for
our planning team.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Sailing Club, Marine Parade East
The submission of this planning application has been delayed as
Roxan Developments, the original builder, is no longer proceeding
with the development. The Sailing Club is currently looking for a
new developer.
It is hoped, when a new builder is selected, that it will submit a
planning application in November or December with a view to
starting construction in the New Year.
Lee Sailing Club Signal Station
The club is planning to update the existing facility (on the seafront by the slipway and boat storage area) with a small expansion
to accommodate the patrol boats that are needed when training
young members to sail.
This development will require planning permission; an application
has not yet been submitted. The Club has already invited local
residents to the Signal Station to see the proposals and comment
39
prior to the plans being submitted.
This summer the RYA accredited OnBoard sail training team at Lee
-on-Solent Sailing Club (LOSSC) partnered with Gosport Community Safety Team, which provides a safer and healthy environment
for kids in the borough. As part of this aim, Gosport Community
Safety Team ran a summer holiday activity scheme throughout August for children between 11 and 16. The training team at LOSSC
volunteered for the second year running to provide the on-water
“Try Sailing” day and this year added water sports to the activities. In glorious sunny weather they got over 120 children to have
a go, 70 of whom tried sailing.
The Club was given a “Training for Young People Award” and the
youngsters were invited to the Southampton Boat Show.
Daedalus
Rebecca Gray, who was the Senior Planning Officer responsible
for
applications
related
to
Daedalus, has resigned and Gosport Borough Council is in the
process of looking for a replacement.
At the present time there are
no
planning
applications
out-
standing in respect of that part of the site in Gosport.
40
Gosport Local Plan 2011-2029
We have written to GBC’s Forward Planning Department asking
them to include more specific guidance on rear access ways (the
narrow alleys that run behind the High Street shops and some
other properties in Lee) making it clear that residential development will not be permitted.
We were pleased that GBC, having looked at our
comments to the consultation on the Local Plan, has
altered or re-drafted the paragraph or policy.
For example, we commented on Policy LP14, Areas
of Special Character, pointing out that some developments on
Marine Parade are unsuitable to be copied or used as guidance in
future applications.
GBC replied “It is accepted that this phrase could be misinterpreted. Consequently, it is proposed to delete this criterion and
instead rely on 1b (which will become 1a) which relates to achieving a good standard of design to reflect the qualities of the seafront. The SPD provides further information on
this issue.”
There will be a Public Inquiry in the New Year
where an Inspector will look at comments made
and in some cases will invite people who commented to discuss the points with them.
41
Following the Inspector’s considerations a report will be sent to
GBC and the Planning Department will incorporate them into the
Local Plan. This will be the final version.
Housing development between Lee and Fareham
There have been recent articles in the News about a planning application by Hallam Land Management (a national property developer) to build 1,550 houses on a site south of Longfield Avenue.
In addition to the houses the developer has proposed a new
health centre and a new two form entry primary school.
Although not within Lee, the development would have a very significant effect on traffic and local infrastructure impacting local
residents.
A plan was originally submitted to Fareham Borough Council in
March 2014. A number of questions were raised by statutory organisations (those the Council has to consult with by law) and local residents. Questions raised have included concerns about the
impacts of the proposed development on matters such as the local road network and wildlife.
There have been further delays and although the plan was due
for decision in September, Hallam Land once again requested
more time, which could mean the plan is not heard until the end of
the year.
Local resident, Mrs Mary Frew has organised a team of volunteers to collect signatures on a petition against the development.
Councillor Peter Davies, who represents Fareham North-West,
stated in the News that he believed the developer was waiting to
hear the results of two independent inquiries – one into the new
town of Welborne proposed for north of Fareham and one into
42
the council’s local plan which sets out where development is allowed.
These two inquiries were to be heard in October and a decision is
due in January.
We are monitoring this closely and will make representations
when a date for consideration of the application is finally agreed.
ST FAITH’S VICARAGE SITE DEVELOPMENT
Since the Planning Inspector’s decision to
overturn Gosport Borough Council’s decision
and allow the development by the diocese of
a vicarage and an additional three homes on
the site in Victoria Square there has been
much
consternation amongst some of the
local community.
In July, with guidance from the Planning
Sub-committee, our Chairman, Martin Marks, sent a letter to
the Archdeacon drawing attention to the local disquiet over the
planning decision and its implications. He received a courteous
reply making light of the locally perceived problems and indicating there would be no change.
There was an excellent letter sent on 1 st September by Lee resident Vicky Bateman to the bishop, copied to many people, which
summed up the situation very well. A reply has just been received from the Bishop; it seems he did not receive the original
letter. His response accepts that the early tree cutting was not
43
handled well, but he goes on to explain the diocese’s reasons for
the development. There is nothing new in his explanations. We
understand several other residents have also written to him.
On behalf of Lee Residents, Martin Marks wrote to the Planning
Inspectorate Quality Control in Bristol to complain about the
appeal decision at the Vicarage. We believe that there were
several inaccuracies in the document supporting the decision to
allow the building of four houses on the plot. In particular that
“The development will prejudice the current ‘village’ ambience
and seriously undermine confidence in local government by overruling local planning guidelines and particularly the process of
democratic accountability.”
We have received a reply from the Planning Inspectorate – a
copy can be found on our web site in the planning section.
Amongst other comments it points out that legislation allows
any applicant to appeal a local decision. The outcome of the appeal can only be challenged in the High Court if the Inspector
has made a mistake on a point of law, or has reached a judgement based on reasoning that, in the opinion of the judge, no
reasonable person could have reached.
The cost of an appeal to the High Court would have been large
and as there is a time limit to make a challenge and as this has
expired, the decision is now final.
A local resident has organised a “Save our Square” petition. A
first instalment with about 650 signatures was presented personally to the Bishop on 22nd September and there is an ongoing
44
collection of signatures through 11 Lee shops and
businesses. There are currently about 800 signatures and the first target is 1,000.
Meanwhile a High Street estate agent, Eckersley
White, is advertising the development opportunity
on their web site. “Developers have the opportunity
to construct 4 detached homes, one of which will form the new
Vicarage and be retained by the freeholders. Profit therefore will
be derived from the three remaining units.” It is understood that
there was reluctance amongst other local agents to take on the
work and it is interesting to see that initial bids closed on 10 th October.
DAEDALUS UPDATE
Waterfront area.
A contract has been signed for Seaplane Square
(where the large hovercraft is currently stored.) This is a 32
week programme to ensure buildings are safe and to stop listed
buildings deteriorating pending a full development plan.
Property consultancy Jones Lang Lasalle has been appointed to
market this 57 acre area to developers. Outline planning permission was given approximately two years ago to create an employment-led mixed development of homes, businesses, leisure,
recreational and marine facilities and breathe new life into its
historic buildings. Expressions of interest have to be submitted
by 24th November.
45
There are a number of historic buildings on the site and a large
part is in a conservation area. Before development can take
place, detailed plans will need to be submitted to Gosport Borough Council for approval.
The slipway will be included in the sale of this area as it is likely
to be essential for some maritime businesses.
Road infrastructure
Works at the junction at Broom Way
and Cherque Way for improvements to
access Daedalus were completed four
weeks behind schedule. This delay was
due to contractors using sub-standard tarmac.
The HCA has obtained funding for a new spine
road from the entrance on Broom Way across
the site with an exit on the seafront.
Daedalus West
A new master plan is being developed which will
include open space and allotments.
Innovation Centre
As mentioned last time a new “innovation” facility with workshops and
office space for new business is planned close to the CEMAST College.
Work is now underway with completion scheduled for March next
year.
46
CEMAST
Fareham College’s Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing
Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST), has welcomed its first students with around 885 starting their courses this autumn. The
opening of CEMAST follows a construction programme which was completed in less than a year. Hampshire based
businesses have also
benefitted from the project; with
more than 50 local companies involved, including the architects,
Perkins Ogden and the main contractor, Leadbitter.
Funding of £12m was secured for the project from the government’s Regional Growth Fund, Skills Funding Agency, Hampshire
County Council and Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
Site ownership
Fareham Borough Council (FBC) is negotiating with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to acquire all the land within the
FBC boundary (about 370 acres or 80% of
the site incorporating the operational airfield) plus a small area of land within Gosport that includes the Control Tower.
Nothing has yet been agreed but FBC councillors have given approval to the proposal.
47
We have always known that the HCA is not a long-term investor
and would be looking to sell on the whole of the site once it had
become a commercial proposition. It is important that the airfield and surrounding
land which includes hangars and aviation related businesses remain under one ownership. An airfield on its own is not a commercial proposition; rents from facilities around
the runways are required to make it viable
We will be seeking further information as we wonder if:

it is too early to transfer ownership before all infrastructure on the whole site is complete.

there has been an open and transparent marketing programme to ensure the taxpayer gets best value from the
sale.
Land in Manor Way
The field that currently has horses in it is owned by the Homes and
Communities Agency (HCA) as it was previously owned by the MoD as
part of Daedalus. We are keen to see this preserved as open space and
made accessible to the public. HCA has not yet considered what it intends to do with this field.
National coastguard training centre.
Work has begun on the £2.5m centre and Prince Michael of
Kent cut the first sod of turf.
The facility will include an 8 metre high cliff face to train teams
on how to carry out rescues on the coastline, and will be
48
completed in 2015.
The artificial construction will also descend 4m
(13ft) into a pit, to enable coastguards to train in
tight spaces.
The site will also be the new base for the Hill
Head Coastguard Rescue Team.
DAEDALUS AVIATION NEWS
Extracted from information provided by Jon Butts, Chairman
Lee Flying Association (LFA).
"Daedalus D-Day 70th" - the special Commemoration
My most sincere thanks once again to all who contributed in so
many ways to this. The range and breadth of
contributions and volunteering help from
across the LFA, the aerodrome, Lee Residents’ Association and local community, business and councils was truly spectacular. Together I feel we created a local commemoration worthy of the D-Day generation.
Airfield resurfacing
The main runway resurfacing contract has now been awarded to
Raymond Brown Construction, (which is also constructing the
new Coastguard volunteer training centre alongside the SAR
Hangar). Work was scheduled to start on October 20th and will
take several weeks.
Cont/..
49
During the resurfacing work, an alternative runway will be available (apart from Monday to Friday during a two-week period
when the airfield needs to be closed completely.)
The work will create runway surface which can be licensed by
the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and include ducting for lighting (to be procured
separately in future). It is hoped to obtain
a CAA licence in 2015. The importance of
being licenced is that the CAA inspects
the airfield every couple of years to ensure it is being well run and safeguarded from development such
that it remains safe for companies whose flights require a higher standard of confidence in the facilities and their management. For example, if a company wants to service military aircraft or carry passengers it is normally a requirement to use a
licenced airfield. Another benefit is that insurers can charge
higher premiums on some aircraft that operate from unlicensed
airfields.
"North-East" Demolition Nearly Complete
It has been very sad to see the demolition of six of the eight
WW2 hangars. The seventh will come down very soon, once a
temporary hangar being erected is completed.
If all goes according to plan the aircraft will return to the
north-east apron once a brand-new permanent hangar has been
built there.
50
Atlas Helicopters will retain and operate from the sole survivor
of the eight WW2 hangers until such time as - again, all being
well - their new, long-planned, hangar and offices are constructed.
All other aircraft that used to be resident in the north-east area
have new homes elsewhere on the airfield.
Development of Serviced Plots on "North-East" for aviation businesses
The demolition works enable the redevelopment of the northeast part of the airfield. There will be access roads from the
Daedalus East entrance and new utilities and services. Trenching
for those services has begun.
One plot has been sold to a tool manufacturer. Two plots are believed to be offered to non-aviation organisations that provide a
high job-density.
The remainder of the plots have airside access around the northeast apron and are now being marketed. A number of aviation
businesses have expressed interest and it is hoped that a critical
mass of aviation users will locate there to create a viable airfield.
Now that service charge costs have been calculated and made
available to those wishing to invest and the runway re-surfacing
work is about to commence, it should enable firm decisions to be
made.
Other plots on the “North-east”
Non-airside plots on this part of the aerodrome have been, or will
51
be, disposed of for non-aviation business use with the proceeds
being used to pay off loans and obligations arising from creating
new site infrastructure (e.g. access points, roads, services, utilities). This will add to the number of jobs at Daedalus - the prime
objective of the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
HSBC CLOSURE
We are disappointed that HSBC has announced closure of its local branch due
to the continuing move to online banking
and reduced footfall in branches. Despite protests, it still
seems likely that by 29th November the branch will have closed.
In case this happens, we have investigated the alternatives for
personal customers of HSBC and most other major banks and
discovered as follows:
Cash can be paid into or withdrawn from your account and you
can check your balance at the Post Office counter– you will need
your bank debit card. You can also withdraw cash from the ATM
outside the Co-op.
Cheques can be paid into your account at the Post Office – you
will need to have completed a pay in slip and will be given an envelope to put this and the cheque into. The cheque will not be
credited to your account until it is received by your bank so
there is likely to be a one or two working day delay.
For business customers of HSBC there is no facility for them to
use the Post Office so they will have to travel each time they
52
want to pay in or draw out money. So far as we can see, if they
wish to deposit and withdraw funds locally, the only alternative
they have is to move their accounts to a bank that has arrangements with the Post Office – Nat West and RBS seem to offer
business customers similar facilities as those available to personal customers.
SCAMS
Scammers are phoning residents falsely claiming to be from the
police. In some cases, to reassure and make the call appear genuine, names of officers, ranks and police station addresses have
been quoted.
They raise concerns over the person’s credit card and financial
issues. Bank and other personal details are requested to supposedly aid security.
This is a criminal scam being investigated by
the genuine police who advise anyone receiving similar communication to refrain
from giving any details and to end the
call immediately.
Another attempt to separate you from
your money is the scammer calling and
alleging they work for a fraud or security department connected to your bank.
The caller will cause alarm by warning
the customer that their bank account has been compromised in
some way and suspicious activity has occurred.
53
However, unbeknown to the receiver of this call, the fraudster
has kept the telephone line open. Therefore, when the victim
phones what they believe to be an official number, they are reconnected to the fraudster.
The fraudster, this time posing as the
bank, will then ask the customer to transfer their funds into a separate holding account. Once this is done, the call is terminated and the money is lost.
Should you receive a similar telephone call DO NOT engage in
conversation. Hang up as soon as possible. Check the validity of
the call with your local bank branch, but DO NOT make a phone
call from your land line as this may reconnect you to the fraudster. Use a mobile phone if you have one, or ask a neighbour/
friend if you can use their telephone. Best of all, visit your bank
branch in person.
Most banks have security systems in place to deal with fraudulent attempts on an account.
Normal practice is to place a block to prevent money from being
taken. They will not ask a customer to transfer funds over the
phone in these circumstances.
If you receive a call that leaves you feeling anxious, telephone
the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or
the police on 101.
54
HEALTH
Urgent care
This topic is rarely out of the news – both
nationally and at a local level with waits in Emergency Departments especially attracting negative headlines. There are
though, alternatives to attending the Emergency Department
but knowing where and when to go to an alternative is not always
clear. The following guide was produced earlier this year (in conjunction with the Portsmouth News) and is an invaluable aidememoire for all patients who might need urgent care:
http://
tinyurl.com/k4pra9r
Patient and public involvement
Our local commissioning group has just published its
annual report on patient and public engagement. It’s
a relatively short document and hopefully answers
any queries you might have on how the public and
patients can influence local healthcare:
http://tinyurl.com/psmn9d2
Local GP practice news
The two main topics at virtually every practice group in recent
months has been DNA’s (did not attend) and waits for routine
appointments. Most practices ‘lose’ somewhere in the region of
100+ appointments per month from patients not attending their
55
booked appointment. This is despite some practices sending out
text and/or email reminders beforehand. At the same time, the
wait for routine appointments seems to be lengthening – partly
due to staff pressures but not helped by patients not attending
planned appointments. The Lee Health Centre practice will be
taking on an additional GP later this year to try and alleviate the
problem – Dr. Hannah Porter joins on 1st December (which will
bring the balance of male to female GP’s to 50:50) – but we need
to do our bit and reduce DNA’s wherever possible so if you need
to cancel an appointment please let the surgery know – even on
the day is not too late as it can often be used.
Locality patient groups
If you have ever wondered how patient groups fit into the health service, the explanation below and accompanying diagram should help to
show where they fit into our local
commissioning group (CCG)
i.e. the
‘feedback loop’ between the practices
and the formal committees of the CCG.
The locality patient group has a representative
from every practice participation group in the
locality, one of whom is elected chair.
The
chairs of the locality groups meet up and attend the Community Engagement Committee,
and the chair of this committee is a member of
the Governing body.
56
This allows information to flow between the practice groups and
the CCG’s Governing Body and back to the practice groups.
Members of the practice patient groups are encouraged to feed
back to the practices, this could be by surveys and questionnaires.
Practice
patient group
meetings
Locality
Meetings
Locality
Meetings
Community
Engagement
Committee
Community
Engagement
Committee
Governing
Body
57
DEFIBRILLATORS
More and more people are learning how to use a defibrillator, often through first aid courses attended either as part of their
work or as volunteers.
There are now a number of defibrillators located around Lee and
if you are not sure how to use them there is likely to be a staff
member at the various locations who has had some training. Most
defibrillators give verbal instructions on what to do and are programmed not to let you use it inappropriately. Thus if your or the
staff member’s skills are a bit rusty you should still be able to be
effective.
Locations are:

Lee Co-op in the manager’s
office, 119 - 121 High
Street

Lee Community Centre in
reception
area
office,
Fell Drive

Lee Sailing Club in the bar
area, 46 Marine Parade East

Lee-on-the-Solent Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club at reception, 41-47 Manor Way

Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club in reception area, Brune Lane,

The Health Centre in the treatment room, Manor Way

Glen Heathers Nursing Home in the nurses office, 48 Milvil
Road
58
LEE ON THE SOLENT COMMUNITY RESPONDERS
Could You Become A Community First Responder?
What is a Community First Responder?
A person trained as a minimum in basic
life support and the use of a defibrillator, who attends a potentially lifethreatening emergency.
What does a Community First Responder do?
Community First Responders( CFRs) use life-saving skills,
such as the use of an automated external defibrillator
(AED), to provide early and often vital intervention for patients suffering life-threatening emergencies in the immediate vicinity of where they live or work until an ambulance
arrives.
How do they know what to do?
Community First Responders are trained to provide lifesaving treatment at a recognised level and they are always
backed up with the nearest available ambulance. Every six
months, there is a compulsory training to refresh skills.
Types of calls a Community First Responder might attend:
Cardiac arrest, heart attack, strokes, choking, diabetic
59
emergencies, traumatic emergencies (not road traffic collisions), breathing difficulties, patients suffering from
seizures, chest pains, unconscious patients, paediatric
emergencies.
Why are CFRs so valuable and vital?
In case of cardiac arrest, for every minute that passes
without cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
and defibrillation, a patient's chances of
survival decreases by 14%.
Community First Responders answer calls in
their local area providing the potential for
them to arrive on the scene before an ambulance. This is vital in providing immediate life-saving treatment.
These extra minutes do help to save lives.
Interested in becoming a CFR?
Please contact: Alan Parry, Coordinator, Lee Community
Responders by email at
[email protected] or by
phone on 07967 991901.
60
D-DAY COMMEMORATION
In our last newsletter we gave extensive
coverage
to
the
local
events to commemorate D-Day.
Lee Residents’ Association willingly
took on the task of finding B&B
accommodation for up to 180 visitors from local volunteers.
Subsequent feedback, from the parachutists and aircrew visitors, reported that we provided the best hospitality they had
ever received.
The Lee Flying Association was the prime sponsor of the commemoration and raised the additional funds and goods required
from local individuals and companies.
Once all the bills were paid there was a surplus of £1,895 and
further donations increased this to £1,945.
This was donated to the Royal British Legion at a presentation at
the LFA headquarters which is in a D-Day hangar used by Seafire
planes in WW II (the Navy version of the Spitfire) at the aerodrome.
Guests of honour included veterans Tony Mullins, a Seafire engineer at Daedalus on D-Day, Sylvia Bell, a VAD Nurse at RN Hospital Haslar on D-Day and, Maurice Bell a parachutist who served
in the Far East from 1941.
61
Eagle European Aviation flew Maurice Bell and D-Day 70th volunteers on a local flight in their Cessna. Maurice had no need of a
parachute on this occasion!
UPDATE FROM OUR LOCAL M.P.
After a particularly long and
glorious summer here on the
south coast, we are now seeing
the first signs of winter; the
leaves are crunching beneath our
feet and we’re starting to pull
our winter coats out from the
back
of
our
wardrobes!
I
thought now would be a good
time to reflect on what we have
achieved over the past few
62
months.
We had extremely welcome news back in July when the Government agreed to an initial investment for preliminary work on a
new road into the Gosport peninsula, starting at Peel Common
Roundabout. The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership will work
with central Government to secure the remainder of the funds
for this new access road. It is great to know that after numerous meetings, letter exchanges and visits,
the Government has acknowledged the fact
that our area needs significant infrastructure improvements.
Better road access is particularly important as the flourishing Daedalus Enterprise Zone continues
to grow. This September, 600 engineering students were welcomed on to the site as the new CEMAST centre was
launched. Having this cutting edge training facility on our doorstep is fantastic for our area as it will help to support our
thriving manufacturing, aviation and marine industries locally.
The Daedalus site has huge potential to significantly boost the
fortunes of Lee-on-the-Solent and the wider area. At the beginning of October, it was announced that the Homes and Communities Agency was looking for companies to move on to the
part of the site known as the Gosport Waterfront with the ultimate aim of bringing down the fences and reincorporating this
part of the Daedalus site with the Lee community.
63
Whilst development such as that at the formerly disused Daedalus airfield are invaluable to the local economy, it is important
to strike a balance with maintaining the character of our area. Many Lee residents will be aware of the ongoing ‘save the
square’ campaign against the construction of three new houses
(in addition to a new vicarage) on the site of the old vicarage
next to St. Faith’s Church. I know it is something that local
people have been concerned about in recent months so I have
been in regular contact with Lee Residents’ Association and the
Diocese of Portsmouth in an attempt to protect Victoria
Square from unwanted development.
I am always proud to see that community spirit is alive and well
in our area and was delighted to join members of the local
Neighbourhood Watch community for their AGM which took
place at Bulson Hall in Lee-on-the-Solent. Grassroots networks
such as these are an essential component of our fight against
crime and it was great to meet those who are so committed to
ensuring that we all feel safe on the
streets and in our homes.
I have also been pleased to support the
efforts of Gosport and Lee Litter Action
which has rallied community support to
keep our area clean and tidy through a
number of clean up events. It is wonderful to see local people
taking so much pride in our lovely towns and beaches.
64
Looking ahead, on December 6th we will be marking the second
annual Small Business Saturday – last year a number of shops in
Lee-on-the-Solent got involved in the initiative which encourages people to shop at independent stores. This
year we are hoping that it will be even bigger and
better!
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a
happy autumn and I shall look forward to seeing you at events in
Lee-on-the-Solent.
Caroline Dinenage
LEE HISTORIC WALK AND TALK
The Lee Historic Walk and Talk programme for
2014 finished on 7th October.
The 2015 programme starts on the 3rd February
next year. Walks are repeated monthly and include 10-13th September (Gosport Heritage Open Days). All
start from Elmore Car Park at 10:00 a.m. Full details of the
walk
programme
for
2015
can
be
found
on
www.leeresidents.org.uk Heritage Walks.
Walk Dates for 2015 are:
3rd February, 3rd March, 7th April, 5th May, 2nd June, 7th July,
4th August, 10-13th Sept, 6th October.
Walk leaders are Ray Harding, Anthony Stutchbury, and John
Green.
65
As well as walks open to the public, talks to groups can also be
arranged. The talk lasts around 60 minutes and covers “Lee
Waterfront, Seafront History and the Military Connections of
Lee".
If you or your group would like to host a talk, making a donation to Lee Residents for Community Projects in Lee, please contact the walk leader:
Ray Harding
023 92 551706
FAMILY FUN DAY
In co-operation with the Community Association, St Faith’s Church and the Gosport & Lee
Lions we organised another annual joint event
for Saturday 26th July. The two previous
events had been based on the Community centre using its car
park and garden with the centre as a wet weather back up. The
joint committee decided to switch venues to the grounds of St
Faith’s and its halls.
For those of you who were out of town, it went well and was much
enjoyed by those attending. There was a petting zoo, a large
bouncy assault course, four different musical groups, a troupe of
flamboyant Egyptian dancers, a roller bike racing stand, a police
car and a fire engine, a range of craft and local group stalls, a
children’s treasure hunt, a BBQ, a licensed bar and a tea bar.
The down side was lower numbers than last year probably due to
the timing in the first week of school holidays.
66
This was recognised early on but we had
little choice of date. The church’s
decision to let out the Lowry Room for
another function without warning us was
less than helpful – we had planned to
use it for the Egyptian dancers’ changing room. They had to squeeze into the
vestry instead.
There was a problem with one of the music groups who, frankly,
were too loud inside the hall and were unable to reduce their
amplifier levels any lower. I had to ask them to stop because of
complaints from craft stalls that had paid to attend and couldn’t talk to their customers! This caused some “strong negative
verbals” from family members accompanying the group – all part
of the fun of running such an event! It was really a shame because the group’s music was otherwise excellent.
Despite the numbers but with the support of an HCC grant from
Councillor Graham Burgess, the event almost broke even financially.
My thanks to the committee members who put in a lot of work
from an initial planning meeting in September 2013 onwards and
all those who volunteered to help out on the day. Also to, in alphabetical order:
All Seasons Fruiterers, Asda, Morrisons,
Sapori Italian Restaurant, Southern Co-Op and Tesco who all
contributed valuable support in varying ways.
Martin Marks
Chair, Joint Event Committee
67
ay
il
m
Fa
D
un
F
y
68