Bognor's charity workers 'best'

The committee members and supporters of the local branch of the Arthritis Research Campaign have come fourth in the organisation's league table of national fundraising.

The 18,051 they collected this year easily beat the totals of branches in such places as York, Bedford and Aberdeen.

Only the branches in the Welsh capital of Cardiff '“ top of the table with 23,178 of donations '“ and Bury St Edmunds as well as the shop in Scotland's Bonnyrigg out of the ARC's 498 fundraising areas bettered Bognor's efforts. The countrywide recognition followed the local branch's success in raising the most money in 2007 in the charity's south eastern region.

ARC south area appeals manager Vivienne Foss told Felpham and Bognor Regis branch chairman Bubbles Simmonds: 'Everyone has done a marvellous job but I am delighted you are so high up the ladder which is a testament to all the hard work you and your team have given in support of the ARC.'

Mrs Simmonds said the annual total was the best she had known in almost 30 years' involvement with the branch. It was helped by the decision by Bognor Regis Golf Club's ladies captain to make the ARC her charity of the year.

This boosted the takings from a range of events such as a variety show, a jazz and strawberry tea and bridge suppers.

It was also becoming more common for personal occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays to be marked by donations to charities rather than present for the individuals concerned.

'We have a self-imposed target of raising 10,000 each year,' Mrs Simmonds explained. 'The amount we raised this year was 6,000 up on the previous year. We are delighted with the public's support.

'Arthritis is not an emotive condition like some others. People do die because of it, because it reduces their immune system, but it does not directly kill them,'

She and her eight strong committee are now focused on making sure the success is repeated in 2008. Their next fundraiser will be a biannual Christmas concert by Chichester Voices at St Thomas a'Becket Church in Pagham. This starts at 7pm on December 13. Tickets can be obtained from Mrs Simmonds on 01243 865783.

She became involved the ARC soon after the Felpham and Bognor branch was formed some 30 years ago. An acquaintance asked her to take part in a flag day. She had no other charity involvement, though she was working and bringing up two children.

Her sister then developed arthritis which strengthened her commitment to the cause. She became the branch chairman about 20 years ago.

Her longevity in the branch is beaten by Alan Bates, a vice president and one of the committee members, who helped to found it. Membership secretary Eileen Catt has also been involved for about 20 years.