Those involved in the Bognor Regis and Felpham branch of the Arthritis Research Campaign have again celebrated collecting £10,000 in the past year.

Chairman Bubbles Simmonds said: "We've again made the annual target which we have set ourselves.
"We are one of the leading branches of the ARC for fundraising and always have been, even if we are not the best in the south east this year."

The branch's money-making reached its summer break with a jazz and strawberry tea party.

This raised £3,200 as about 120 people went along to Westbourne House School's grounds enjoyed listening to George and His Jazz Band as well as munching their way through a traditional strawberry and cream tea. Sponsors paid for most of the cost of arranging the event to enable the total raised to be so high.

Another enjoyable money-spinner for the branch was a concert last February by Elmer Entertainers. Bridge evenings were also a regular fixture of the branch's social timetable.

But Mrs Simmonds said it was getting harder for the branch to keep up its good work.

"There's eight of us on the committee, including myself, and we need younger people to come forward and join us.

"We have probably raised an average of £10,000 in each of the past ten years for a very important cause.

"Arthritis is not such an emotive condition as some but so many people have it and it can have such an effect on their lives," she stated.

Last year saw the branch top the south east fundraising league table and become the third best in the country. That was thanks to a contribution from the female members of Bognor Regis Golf Club.


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