Welcome
News Flash!
We can finally build the new Community Centre on the recreation ground, thanks to major funders.The Hiltingbury Community Association has successfully obtained a substantial grant from the Big Lottery Fund. This grant, together with major grants already obtained from The Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund; Hampshire County Youth Service and Eastleigh Borough Council will enable us to finally build a Community Centre on the Hiltingbury Recreation Ground.
The new Community Centre will provide a much-needed leisure and recreational facility for the benefit of all of the community. It will enable the development of a broad range of out of school activities for local children, house pre-schools and toddler groups and provide an exciting, purpose designed space for local youth groups.
Mike Hughes, the Chairman of the Community Association said, "It has been a major challenge to achieve the necessary funding to build a Community Centre in Hiltingbury. However, we are delighted to now be able to fulfil our vision of creating a building which can act as a central hub for community activities. It will move us a long way forward in creating a heart to this community and the benefits to everyone, from young to old, will be enormous."
Alison Rowe, Big Lottery Fund Head of the South East region, said: "The Community Buildings programme funds buildings that are a focus for neighbourhood activity and house a range of activities that meet communities' needs. Hiltingbury Community Association's project will have lasting effects for many people and BIG is pleased to be supporting such a worthy venture."
Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Margaret Cobbold, said: "This is great news for the project as it means that Hiltingbury Community Association can now create this important community facility. Those involved need congratulating on all their hard work so far. I look forward to seeing the project get underway."
The building will have on the ground floor an entrance area, a meeting room and a medium sized hall. There is a first floor which will be designed to create an environment suitable for youth activities and will largely be used by the Hampshire Youth Service. It is anticipated that building works will commence in May this year with completion early 2009.
Celebrating the good news!
Notice:
Our A.G.M was held on Tuesday 22nd January 2008. Thanks to those of you who came.
The date for next year's Hiltingbury Extravaganza is
Sunday 21st September 2008
Email: secretary@hiltingbury.com
If YOU want to take part!
Hiltingbury Extravaganza is Chandler's Ford's premier annual event
Hiltingbury's 7th Extravaganza event, held on Sunday 23 September, was a great success with well over 2000 people attending despite the cloudy weather. Return stall holders reported an increase in takings and the HCA refreshments stall sold 500 cups of tea!
There were more stalls than ever this year, from Wine tasting and an Indian food stall to Beauty Therapy and children's crafts.
We were especially pleased to welcome local musicians and drama groups and next year we plan to give more local people a chance to perform and show case their talent.
The event was sponsored by local estate agent, Sparks Ellison, who produced the programmes free of charge, and many local businesses donated generous raffle prizes.
The HCA raised in excess of £2,000. This money will go towards equipment for the proposed community centre, scheduled to be built on the recreation ground next year.
The date for next year's Extravaganza is Sunday 21 September and stalls are already booking up. The Extravaganza is an excellent platform for local entrepreneurs. We would also be delighted to encourage more community groups to come along and take part in the day.
