Members of the Companions had a very enjoyable Christmas Lunch at the Rustington Manor Hotel

At the AGM of the Littlehampton Companions Mike Broomfield was elected as Chairman for the forthcoming year. Mike said that he wanted to ensure that everyone enjoyed themselves in the forthcoming year. A vote of thanks was given to Hilda Renn, the retiring Chairman for all her work during her year of office.

Armed Forces Day

The Companions ran a very successful stall at the Littlehampton Armed Forces Day. Unfortunately the weather was not very good but many hundreds of people turned out to see the event. John Helyer showed off all of his Army badges and these were a real draw to the stall. He raised nearly £61 from a bucket that he put up on the site for Help For Heroes. We also had a bric a brac and cake stall which raised £320 which would be divided between Help for Heroes and the Companions.

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Companions Honour Tommy Harrison

The Companions held their 50^th Annual Charter night at the Look and Sea Centre last week. After a reception in the viewing area of the tower, with stunning views of the river everyone sat down to a superb meal.

As happens every year, the Companions presented the Bernard Owen Cup to a member of the Littlehampton community for their contribution to the people of Littlehampton and the surrounding area.

This year’s recipient, Tom Harrison was accompanied by his wife, Joan. He has been Secretary of the Littlehampton Branch of the Royal British Legion since 1986 and has, over the years, been responsible for the organisation of the many Parades and Services in the town including the Remembrance Day services. He has also organised the annual distribution of poppy wreaths and boxes for the past 10 years. Tom spent 22 years in the navy and then joined the Royal Naval Association where he has been chairman since 1973. The Chairman, Hilda Renn said what an honour it was for her to present this 50^th Anniversary award to such a deserving person.

The Club also presented a cheque to Tommy, which had been generously donated by Christine Broomfield, Bernard Owen’s daughter. Tommy thanked the Companions for the honour and said that he would have great pleasure in presenting the cheque to the Royal British Legion to help members and ex-members of the armed forces in need.

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Members of the Companions and their friends enjoyed a very successful evening at the Helyer's Farm last Saturday. Most people took part in a Quiz which was won by Brian and Mary Shiels and their friends. The evening raised over £250 for Club funds.

50^th Anniversary Celebrations

The Companions Club of Littlehampton celebrated their 50^th Anniversary with a reception at the Littlehampton Guide Hall.

The Chairman, Hilda Renn, welcomed nearly 60 guests including several former members of the Club. Several members of the Horsham Companions had also come along. She also welcomed the Chairman of Arun District Council, Councillor Dudley Wensley, the Mayor of Littlehampton, Council Joyce Bowyer, and the Chairman of Rustington Parish Council, Councillor Sue Lines. Hilda said what an honour it was for her to have been elected Chairman in this anniversary year. This was especially so as she had been involved with the Companions for the best part of 40 years when her late husband, Phillip, first joined.

John Helyer, the longest serving member of the Companions also said that it was nice to see so many friends there. He has been a member of the Companions since 1973 and he and his wife, Eileen, had thoroughly enjoyed themselves over the years attending many social and Fund raising events. Many of these events were shown in a display of photos and also many of the Companions brought along photo albums which everyone enjoyed looking at and which brought back many happy memories.

Over the years the Littlehampton Companions have raised many thousands of pounds to help people in the Littlehampton area who do not necessarily get help from other agencies and also for other local charities. These included Auctions, Barn Dances, Race nights and summer Barbecues. Hilda thanked all the members who had done so much hard work over the years to raise this money and also to the members of the public who have supported the many events.

Each year the Companions also recognise someone from the Littlehampton area for their outstanding contribution to the community by awarding them with the Bernard Owen cup.

To celebrate the event everyone was presented with a coaster bearing the Companions Logo, designed and painted by Nina Twinn and donated by David and Nina Twinn.

New members are always welcome. For further information about future events or membership contact Wendy Squires on 01903 714271.

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A very successful Race night was held at the 5th Littlehampton Scout Hall. This event was run jointly with the Littlehampton Twinning Association and 60 members and friends of both organisations had a fun evening at the races. During the interval everyone tucked into a supper of Sausages, Beans and Baked Potatoes. £250 was raised for each organisation.

The St Mary's Church flower Festival has been arranged as part of the annual celebration in honour of it's Patron Saint. Organisations in the town were asked to provide flower arrangements to reflect something of the life and worship of the church. Rosemary Hoyle put together this magnificent flower arrangement in the Companions colours.