Fishbourne

New Road Fishbourne Copse December 1895

To celebrate the opening of the new road through Fishbourne Copse to Fishbourne, Mr W. Hayles, Superintendent of the road works and Binstead Parish Councillor, entertained people who had work on the project at his home in Fishbourne on Monday evening 16th December.

Mr Stainer, Vice Chairman of the council welcomed everyone present and read a letter from parish chairman [Lt. H. Gartside Tipping] expressing his regret at not being able to attend but enclosed a donation towards the cost of the new road. Mr Stainer then went on to say it was less twelve months since he and his colleagues Messrs Hayles and Spencer had been elected by the parish council to look into the state of footpaths, roads and sanitary conditions in the outlying parts of parish [Wootton was in Binstead at one stage]. As part of that inspection they had gone through the copse and found the track in a very poor state and in no way could it be called a road, however this day he had re-inspected the 'road' and had been impressed by the standard of work. Mr. Salmon who had been responsible for the work said some time ago a man had told him that whilst walking to Fishbourne and had gone into the stream, however he would now be able to travel in safety.

A vote of thanks was expressed by the assembled company to the Mr Hayles and his wife for an enjoyable evening. In response Mr Hayles thanked everyone for making it an enjoyable evening, and said this footpath had a history, it had been hard work convincing the parish council that the footpath was necessary. However as a result of the sub committee’s report the parish council agreed that an upgrade was required, but they did not know if they had the authority to convert a track into a footpath. It was agreed that a letter be sent to Mr Fleming [Fleming estates] asking permission to undertake the work, and with the assistance of Mr Salmon this was obtained as was a supply of gravel. Money was raised from public subscriptions and Mr Salmon authorised to carry the work, cartage for the transport of the gravel was provided at no cost, courtesy of Messrs James and Guy therefore saving a considerable amount of money. In concluding Mr Hayles said that a letter of thanks should be sent to Mr Fleming for his help and consideration be given to the footpath from Newnham to Havenstreet which at the present time was under several inches of water. The evening was concluded with a selection of songs.

Source: Isle of Wight County Press. Article courtesy Mrs. Jill Salter