Whipping up support

The three parties trying to attract support

As polling day approaches, representatives of the three main parties are set to impress their values upon the people of Petersfield.

With esteemed and much-loved Michael Mates retiring from office, the East Hampshire voting battle is thought to be a tightly contested three horse race and each of the main parties is doing everything they can to sway the vote.

Elsie Withering-Slowly (Conservative) will be speaking from 18:30 at the library, where she will be covering some of the big issues including pensions and public transport.

Gladys Mildew (Labour) is to base herself at the hospital, just in case, and couldn’t remember what it was she was to be talking about when we interviewed her. So that should be a surprise for anyone attending, but she did confirm there would be biscuits available. She will be talking from 19:00.

Dizzy Plinarian (Liberal Democrat) has decided to hold her talks, or “shows” as she has described them at the rugby club.

Plinarian will be appearing at 21:00, 22:00 and 23:00 tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday and anyone wishing to attend who has not already purchased a ticket is out of luck, the performances were sold out days ago.

Plinarian told us “I will be giving demonstrations of the role of punishment in society, with the promise of follow up sessions if victory is forthcoming."

PTC sanction huge erection

South Downs National Park erection is touched up

Petersfield’s Broadway Park Caravan Site follows the example set by Basildon in Essex by commissioning its own Hollywood-style sign.

Denise R Nockin speaking on behalf of Petersfield Town Council (PTC) said: “Earlier in the week it was announced that we were hoping to bring some megastars to Broadway and we want to do everything in our power to ensure that this project is a success.

“Everyone saw how Basildon hit the headlines recently by erecting a Hollywood style sign and we thought this would be a fantastic way to advertise events and attract customers.”

Caravan park owner Ivor Towbar added: “Drivers heading north on the A3 will see the huge sign on their right as the cross the South Downs; this will conjure up images of Broadway stars. The likes of Julia Roberts, Dustin Hoffman, Leonardo DiCaprio and perhaps some of those we have been able to attract to our own Broadway, including possibly Dominic Brunt from Emmerdale.

“The Basildon project was quoted as costing £400,000 but as I’m sure you will appreciate, our Broadway sign is far more imposing, so I am reluctant to say how much it has cost at this stage; but you can’t put a price on good PR.”

The stars of Broadway

Kris Akabusi and a plumber yesterday

Kris Akabusi is on the left

The Broadway Park caravan site is planning to live up to its name and become the home of live music and stage shows in Petersfield.

Organisers have big plans with a host of high-profile names already approached to appear in productions including Kerry Katona, Kris Akabusi and some people rejected from regional auditions of the X Factor.

 Park owner Ivor Towbar said: “We’re Petersfield’s answer to Broadway, we have to be, we’re the only thing called Broadway here.

 “We’re confident of attracting some big names to the town and will be announcing some announcements in the not too distant future.

“Between you and me talks have already progressed significantly with Joe Pasquale’s people and it looks like he’ll be starring as Bill Sykes in Oliver.”

Broadway’s new era begins next month with a double bill of Michelle McManus tribute act, Michelle McAnus, going toe to toe with wrestling legend Mick McManus and the New New Drifters, featuring two of the originals from the Old New Drifters and a man who once met Benny King – no, not Ben E King, just a man called Benny King, we think he was a plumber.