April 24 Combined - Flipbook - Page 6
Hayling Herald News
Mike bows out after
terrific HVS support
Heartfelt farewell
to centre stalwart
Mike Beel in a rare moment in front of the camera, with daughter Chelsea and
Councillor Rosy Raines, Mayor of Havant
THE vice-chairman of an organisation that has provided vital support for Hayling’s older residents
is stepping down after many years
behind the scene.
Many Islanders will know Mike
Beel from being behind the camera
at Hayling events.
He became involved in Hayling
Voluntary Services (HVS) which
provides lifts to those needing to get
to health appointments.
Under the leadership of Lin Green,
he took over the vice chairman role
and brought about a number of positive changes – which Lin says she
will be forever grateful for.
He is now stepping down to make
way for fresh volunteers on the committee that runs HVS.
Lin said: ‘Mike has given HVS anything and everything I’ve wanted.
I asked for a cafe, I got a beautiful
cafe. He just made the things happen. HVS wouldn’t have survived, let
alone grown, without him.
‘He has made HVS into the fantastic charity it has now become.
He has also given up his time to
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help many of the other charities on
Hayling. I know he is a very private
person, but sometimes even secret
squirrels deserve the recognition for
all they do.
‘Mike always works behind the
scenes and gives the credit for his
work to others – his modesty matches his kindness.
‘He’s been a rock. His integrity and
solid support has been unquestionable. Any charitable organisation
would be blessed to have just a tiny
part of him.
‘I would like to thank him for that
from the bottom of my heart. Mike,
you have been amazing, thank you
for everything, including the help of
your very special daughter Chelsea
who was responsible for setting up
the cafe and training us all when it
first opened.’
As well as the lifts to medical
appointments, HVS also has
a charity shop, a cafe and a
runs veterans events. For more
information and to volunteer for
HVS, visit haylingvoluntaryservices.
co.uk
By Iona Harkness from Hayling
Island Community Centre Association (HICCA)
A MUCH-LOVED member of the
Hayling Island Community Centre
team has retired with a bang.
Tina Lambert, pictured right, has
been the centre’s administrator since
2001 and looked after the many
volunteers who keep the centre
running.
She first worked with my predecessor Tania Jones who now runs the
community pantry.
Lynn George, Hicca President,
said: ‘It was lovely working with
Tina over the years and a pleasure to
call her a friend. Along with Tania,
we had lots of laughs in the office
and supported each other through
the days.
‘Tina is a lovely lady and all her
stewards would do extra shifts on
reception to help her.
‘She treated all with a gentle hand
and a please, how could we say no?
‘She will be missed by us all, enjoy
your retirement.’
Tania Jones had this to say: ‘I was
truly lucky to work with one of the
kindest, supportive, genuine and
most lovely lady for two decades,
and we became best of friends. I
look forward to many more laughs
memories and adventures outside
of work and wish Tina a very happy
retirement.’
The stewards all said it was a joy to
work with Tina.
Our community has been so
blessed with the great work, determination and loyalty Tina has given
during her 23 wonderful years at the
centre.
Throughout her time she always
carried out her duties with love and
care, which is so apparent by the
legacy the centre has here today.
Tina couldn’t possibly have
achieved all that she did without
putting her heart and soul into all.
Her heart will forever be a part of
the very fabric of our community
centre.