One of the primary aims is to see how a safe cycling commuter route to Havant might be achieved in addition to other, more recreational, ones.

It is hoped to have a representative from Sustrans – the charity charged by the government to improve cycling facilties - to give a wider view of progress elsewhere and funding arrangements.

Perhaps even the cycling/leisure bridge proposals might be dusted off and regenerated.

We would like to see as many keen cyclists - and parents with young children who will surely benefit from a more cycling-friendly environment – attend as possible.

The second topic will be to review how "green" vehicles can contribute to the local transport network.

Hayling is ideal for such an approach. As an island, most travel distances are relatively short and with a 40mph speed limit.

Both of these factors would allow the use of vehicles that are cheap to buy and cheap to run.

There are now a number of hybrid vehicles around and an increasing number of electric cars and vans (in addition to milk floats!) that might contribute to such a scheme.

An obvious objective would be to provide local transport to those areas of the Island not immediately served by the existing bus services and to link into these services.

If you have any views on these matters please come and air them at this meeting and help develop these possible Hayling services.

It takes place at the usual venue - the United Reformed Church Hall, in Hollow Lane, Mengham, on Thursday January 21, starting at 7.30pm.

Further meetings during the year are expected to be on breakwaters, pros and cons - in April; in July on Hayling during World War Two and to meet our MP David Willetts again at the annual general meeting, in October. Look out for more details nearer the time.

Eastoke Corner
I understand that further development at Eastoke Corner is now nearing agreement in principle and work will move towards a planning phase quite soon.

Part of this work will be to improve the performance area so well developed and demonstrated by Playing on the Plaza as will as including an extended play area sponsored by a well-known sports manufacturer.

This should greatly enhance the area as a venue for Hayling and will act as an example of what might be achieved elsewhere on the Island as funds allow.

The New Year
By now Christmas is over. We had many events over that period, Carols on the Plaza, a Christmas sleigh drawn by Lions eating money (different), late night shopping in Mengham and all lots of other events put on by various organisations, all of which involve a lot of effort being put in on our behalf.

We should thank them and now look to the future.

A personal view
During the year, climate change arguments will continue following the circus at the Copenhagen Conference.

Whatever may be the merits of those arguments, there is one absolute fact: Fossil fuels are finite so it behoves us to conserve them by being efficient and minimising their use.

This will be of more use in solving the perceived problem of carbon dioxide emissions than all the international conferences we hear and read about so much.

Finally a thought on planning. For some reason in this country politically correct views dictate that developments should be mixed.

At present we are building so-called affordable houses to the detriment of much else.

Many of these houses cannot meet the needs of growing families requiring more space.

Many larger houses are now under-occupied - mine being one - but there is no incentive to move on to something more suitable because, generally speaking, few building developments are aimed at people downsizing unless they are prepared to live in a shoe-box.

More, good quality developments aimed at downsizers would release a vast flow of more affordable houses at all levels.

All seem to agree that Fountain's Court in West Town approaches that ideal. Enjoy the New Year.

CONTACTS:
Chairman: Paul Fisher 9246 1412
Noticeboard: Lois Neale 9246 9339
Reporter: Tony Higham 9246 4723
We are still searching for a secretary/treasurer