Tributes to Tony Higham
Tony Higham passed away earlier this week, leaving all who knew of his tireless and knowledgeable work for Hayling profoundly saddened for our loss. Tony’s co-option onto HIRA’s Committee on 11th November 1997 was followed by 21 years of dedicated service for Hayling’s Community. Over those years he used his considerable engineering knowledge and vision to investigate and try to improve the bus services, a proper cycle bridge and to encourage both Hampshire County Council and Havant Borough Council to fully appreciate our road network’s limitations, particularly that of the A3023. Tony remained a vociferous and articulate critic of over-development, his reasoning always supported by common sense and engineering facts. When attending Council Consultations he was known for his rigorous questioning. For at least 15 years he wrote instructive and constructive monthly Articles for the Islander. He was also active in meetings for the Millenium Greening project which started in 1998, the “Parish Council Steering Group” set up in 1999, and the Hampshire Federation of Residents’ Associations whilst also working with the NE Hayling Chairman. He was involved in discussions about dredging in Chichester Harbour and the Harbour mouth. His fellow Committee members recall his steady, calm yet determined manner coupled with an ability to laugh at life’s ironies. Hayling has lost a good friend.
Save Our Island Group also pay tribute to Tony:
We, the ‘Save Our Island’ group, wish to record our dismay and sadness on the news that our friend and partnerTony Higham has passed away.
The Save Our Island group worked with Tony for the past two years during our joint efforts to protect the infrastructure of our Island. His knowledge, experience and determined attitude has been a major factor in our joint success in gaining political involvement through the establishment of the Hayling Island Infrastructure Advisory Committee charged with establishing and maintaining a sustainable infrastructure for the Island’s future.
We have spent many hours in robust debate with Tony, as colleagues should, but these meetings were also lightened with a shared enthusiasm for tasting and evaluating good red wines.
Goodbye our friend. We will miss you.
Save Our Island Group
