newsletterEVENTS DIARY 2011

ANNUAL SPONSORED

CHARITY WALKArundel Castle Park8 May, 2.00 – 5.00pm£2 adults, £1 childrenUnder 12’s freeFREE entry with sponsorship

CHAMPS HILL CONCERTChamps Hill, Waltham Park Road,Coldwaltham, PO18 0PS21 May, 7.00pm£15pp to include drinks reception & canapesTickets now available from theAdmin Office – 01243 572433

SNOWDROP AGMChichester Park Hotel,Westhampnett13 July, 4.00pm

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEMEOpen Gardens at Roundhill Cottage, East Dean6 & 7 August, 2.00 – 6.00pm

AN EVENING WITH THE STARSSouth Downs Planetarium & Science Centre,Kingsham Road, Chichester15 September 7.00 – 9.00pm£10pp to include drinks reception & canapes.Tickets will be available fromthe Admin Office in August

COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONBoxgrove Village Hall18 October, 10.00 – 12 noon£7.50pp to include light refreshmentsTickets will be available fromthe Admin Office in September

CHAMPAGNE & DIAMONDS

CHARITY BALLHilton Avisford Park Hotel,Yapton Lane, Walberton19 November, 7.30pm – 1.00am£55pp - £500 for a Table x 10Reservations currently beingtaken by the Admin Office –please call 01243 572433

Care at Home for children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses

Spring 2011

Thank you from The familiesSnowdrop receive many many letters of thanks from the families that are helped by the Charity. All of them are so grateful for the wonderful nurses who help them throughout their child’s illness and who often become special friends. The financial help that we are also able to give them makes such a difference to many lives.

Some of the letters received are here for you to see as it is YOU who have enabled Snowdrop to continue its vital work through your incredible generosity. Thank you.

Would you like to become a

FRIEND of Snowdrop?

Please see the enclosed flyer or visit our website for full details.

Snowdrop are delighted that the loyal supporters of the Trust continue to make donations and fundraise in so many different ways. New supporters of course are most welcome too! A selection of individuals and organisations who have helped the Trust in recent months are shown below:

Jumping Jenny, Parachute Jump - £363; M Harris, donation - £100; Mr & Mrs D Thomas, donation - £100; Pagham Parish Council, Pagham on Parade event - £100; Pendean Care Home, Summer Fete - £650; Rotary Club of Midhurst & Petworth, donation - £4,000; Mr & Mrs Mudford, donation - £100; Kim & Rick Williams, donation - £150; East Dean Coffee Morning, donation - £723; AMICUS Ladies Club, donation - £150; Mr J Halford, donation - £100; R Williams, donation - £150; Church Farm Holiday Village, donation - £1,600; Yvonne Norris, donation - £210; Red Cross of Constantine Masonic Order, donation - £2,500; Walberton & Binsted School, Harvest Collection - £249; Tinker Allingham, Spirit FM Award donated to Snowdrop - £200; Chichester Friday Fellowship, donation - £100; The Tigers Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, donation - £738; Katrina Littlechild, sponsored cycle ride - £250; Arundel Players, Victorian Evening proceeds - £500; Annual Football Match in Memory of Joshua Court - £1,323; Grittenham Barn, Christmas Fair donation - £885; Tangmere Local History Group, donation £70; S Carter, Great South Run sponsorship - £222; Oldwick Saddlery, Christmas fundraising - £749; Mr & Mrs D Sadler, donation - £1,000; Marianne Cullis, Marmalade/Jam sales - £300; Itchenor Society, Christmas Fundraising - £400; John Haynes, donation - £500; Nat West Bank Trust, donation - £1,000; Epigoni Trust, donation - £3,000; C&M Ladies Bowling Team, donation - £150; Selsey Quilters, donation - £1,520; Walberton Coffee Shop, donation - £400; A Johnson, Big Lunch event - £100; S Grant, donation - £100; Christopher Hansen, donation - £100; M. Bates, donation - £200; E Walls, donation - £100; Felpham Ladies Probus Club, donation - £76; J Booker, donation - £250; Mrs Y Norris, Students’ thanks to Mrs Norris - £210; Oving PCC & St. Andrew’s Church, Harvest Auction - £250; Hardy Plant Society, raffle proceeds - £100; Tillington PCC, All Hallows Church Carol Singing - £480; Sidlesham PCC, donation - £130; Bognor Vineyard Fairtrade Shop, donation - £100; Rosy Turner, sale of Christmas decorations - £255;

thank you

Snowdrop, in conjunction with Hilton in the Community Foundation, held a fabulous Champagne & Diamonds Charity Ball at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel in Walberton. Over 250 local supporters attended the sparkling evening, and Lowery, local diamond specialists, kindly donated a diamond pendant. Kevin King from Spirit FM did a sterling job as compere, and the food and entertainment simply made for a superb evening.

Our thanks go to all who helped with the preparation, and to those who attended and most generously made the evening the success it was.

The monies raised from the event resulted in Snowdrop receiving £4,500! Diana Levantine is seen here in the photograph receiving the donation cheque from Father Christmas(!) and Darren Walsh, General Manager of the Avisford Park. Also pictured is Philippa Redwood, the amazing event organiser for the Avisford.

Where does your money

go?

Hemal and Chakshu Patel, owners of Saya’s News in West Wittering supported Snowdrop last December by providing a sumptuous Indian Banquet for 90 local residents.

Traditional home cooked Gujarati fare was washed down with wine and Cobra beer, and left even the hungriest diners delighted and replete. As a surprise attraction, children brought a little bit of Bollywood to West Wittering!

Local Snowdrop supporter, David Beveridge, played the part of auctioneer during the evening, while his wife Janet and her willing helpers sold

West Wittering Does Bollywood

The Snowdrop Children’s Christmas Party was again a wonderful success. The Avisford Hilton in Walberton was the venue for this annual party and many Snowdrop families came to enjoy a special tea and entertainment. Our sincere thanks go to our very special friend Shane Miller of SupremeClean for once again sponsoring the party; Dawn Shrives of Salon du Chocolate, the Co-operative store in East Wittering and Carte Blanche Greetings of Tangmere also kindly made donations which ensured the children had a fabulous time.

Twins Taylor & Jordon enjoy their first ever meeting with Santa

raffle tickets. By the end of the night the event had raised a fantastic £3,265 for the Trust.

Our thanks go to all concerned for a wonderfully entertaining evening,

and for the enormous amount of hard work that had

gone into the organisation.

THE HIDDEN BEAUTY OF CAMBODIA

An Evening of Champagne & Diamonds

Ann McDonald is an extremely gifted and highly acclaimed local photographer, and we were delighted when she agreed to give a talk to raise funds for Snowdrop. Having recently visited Cambodia and Burma, Ann was able to share her experiences and pictures with a fascinating and spellbinding talk. Thank you Ann for a memorable afternoon. The talk was followed by a delicious tea provided by the Snowdrop Fundraisers.

STOP PRESS! Due to the overwhelming success of the evening, a similar event is now scheduled for 19 November 2011. Tickets

are expected to sell out fast so please reserve your table with the Admin Office now – 01243 572433. Full details are available on Snowdrop’s website www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com

Children have fun at Christmas

will be soloist Cameron McEwen, a gifted 12 year old pianist, and Sussex Camerata, a string quartet.

Tickets are now available from the admin office at a cost of £15pp to include a Drinks Reception and Canapes.

Mr & Mrs Blott, family donation made in lieu of receiving Christmas gifts - £380; Southbourne Infant School, Christmas Concert - £273; Chichester Quilters, proceeds from West Dean Chilli Fiesta Plant Creche - £498; Mr & Mrs R Spencer and neighbours, Littlehampton Christmas lights - £170; Mr G Brockhurst, golf club raffle - £200; Bosham PCC, Friday Service - £202; Rumboldswhyke C of E Infants School, Christmas fundraising - £188; St Mary’s Church Easebourne, donation - £418; Rotary Club of Storrington, Nic Minassian evening/raffle - £578; Winbrooks Limited, donation - £250; Lancastrian Infants School, Christmas Fayre proceeds - £126; Midhurst Music Society, Raffle proceeds - £100; The Baxter Family of Binderton, Christmas Lights - £630; Angmering School, Christmas cake raffle - £85; Laburnum Grove Junior School, Christmas concerts’ family donations - £102; Funtington & West Stoke WI, Christmas Fair donation - £103; Blackdown Clay Shoot Lurgashall - Christmas shoot proceeds - £850; Rare Brand Market, event fundraising - £250; Pagham Pram Race/Raffle, donation - £400; Sasha Loeffen & Friends, proceeds from ‘out- of- tune’ carol singing - £86: Diocese of Chichester, in lieu of sending Christmas Cards £177; Selsey PCC, donation - £500; Christ Church Women’s Fellowship, donation - £100; Walberton & Binsted CE School, Christmas fundraising - £723; St. James’ Church Birdham, Crib Service collection - £341; WSCC, Legal Dept., Annual Charity Fundraising - £1,500; Team Bessey Boxing, charity collection proceeds - £350; Freemasons Grand Charity, Relief Chest Scheme, donation - £200; Mrs J Walton, donation in lieu of gifts for 80th Birthday - £175; St. Mary’s Church Felpham, donation - £500; West Bognor Flower Club, annual fundraising - £1,162; Sophie Robins, Denise Kelly & friends, proceeds from a ‘pop-up’ Valentine’s Restaurant - £1,239; Sutton & Bignor PCC, donation - £250; Seaford College, donation - £629; Robin Durant, proceeds from talks - £762; Chichester High School for Girls, proceeds from Teacher’s Pantomime - £900; Petersfield Golf Club, Ladies section, annual fundraising - £1,950;

Continued support is received from the following and the amounts shown are monies received since October 2010:Lotus House Restaurant- £222; Cowdray Golf Seniors - £751; Aldingbourne Social Club - £257; Sainsbury’s Petrol Station - £136; Rose Green Post Office - £338; Arundel Catenians - £1,863; C&P Cole Newsagents - £34; Direct Life - £343; Selsey Jigsaw Club - £248; Russell’s Garden Centre - £1,008; M&S Chichester - £1,546; Toywizz - £19; Waitrose - £395; Chichester Rotary Club - £3,000.

thank you

Snowdrop help in many ways to make the lives of children and their families easier. YOUR donations help us to make this possible. Most requests come to us via the nurses who are actually working with the families and therefore understand their needs. Most mothers are unable to work during their child's illness and, as such, more strain is put on the family budget. Snowdrop is there to bridge the gap and support them during this very difficult time.

Again, YOUR kindness allows Snowdrop to provide this vital help.

Where does your money

go?

The Champs Hill Concert is planned for Saturday, 21 May 2011 at 7.00pm. Champs Hill is situated in the delightful village of Coldwaltham and this wonderful music venue has been made available to Snowdrop courtesy of David and Mary Bowerman, long term supporters of the Trust. Performing on the evening

SNOWDROP ANNUAL CHARITY WALK, ARUNDEL CASTLE PARKSunday, 8 May 2011Dogs are allowed at this event, but it is imperative that ALL dogs are kept on a lead at ALL times. Thank you.

Travel expenses - petrol and taxi fares for

hospital visits.

Washing machine for

a young mother with a

very sick baby.

Payment of sa

laries

for the nurses an

d

counsellors.Days out as a treat for the

whole family.

Horseriding

and swimming

lessons for children to

enrich their lives.

Additional help with funeral costs and headstones.

Camera for

schoolwork and fun for

a youngster undergoing

chemotherapy.

Beds, cots an

d carpets

for families when resources

are stretched.

Ian and Sue Spawton were desperate to raise the awareness of Snowdrop and to acknowledge the help given to them by the Snowdrop Care at Home Team and the Trust when their daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with a terminal illness and sadly died last year. Ian and Sue designed and published the calendar, and along with their many friends and colleagues, worked exceptionally hard to ensure sales were high; their efforts have raised an amazing £6,035 for the Trust.

Together with the amazing donations Snowdrop receives from their loyal supporters, fundraising events are organised and held throughout the year; one event not to be missed this year is the:

Champs Hill Concert

FIREFIGHTER CALENDARS A GREAT SUCCESS

GOOD LUCK to the ‘Snowdrop Runners’ participating in the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday,

16th April. We’ll be cheering you on!

Nick Casburn

Ann Caldecott

Simon Wagstaff

Tina Culling

Sue Bickell

To help us reduce our

postage costs, please do let us

know if you have an email address to

which we can send future Newsletters;

please email your details to

sussexsnowdrop@btconnect.com

MAKE A DONATION The Charity spends around £200,000 annually on

direct care for the Families and The Snowdrop ‘Care

at Home’ Team. This crucial financial support helps

parents to cope with the day-to-day problems of

caring for a very sick child. The financial problems

that parents have can be overwhelming, possibly

becoming the ‘last straw’.The Trust receives no help from the Government

and depends on the generous support of this

Community – Schools, Clubs, Church Groups, Trusts,

Organisations and Individuals. Every penny is

appreciated and enables Snowdrop to be able to

continue to provide this vital help. Please can you

help us to help these children and their families.

ABOUT US Chairman, Co-Founder and Trustee Diana Levantine Vice Chairman and Trustee Valerie Seddon Trustees Mike BrooksMargaret Eva OBEDeirdre HoggarthTony Hughes Office Manager Joanne Rule Office AdministratorAngela England Registered Charity Address3 Kingley CentreDowns RoadWest StokeChichesterWest Sussex PO18 9HJ T: 01243 572433E: sussexsnowdrop@btconnect.comwww.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com Registered Charity No. 1096622Limited Company No. 4557686 (Limited by Guarantee)

THE SNOWDROP CARE AT HOME TEAM

The Westhampnett Centre28-29 Westhampnett RoadChichesterWest Sussex PO19 7HHT: 01243 815227

Community Nurses01243 815227Jane Evans, RCN CCNGill Cunningham, RCN CCNRosy Turner, RCNMichele Walker, RCN CCN

Children’s Community Healthcare AssistantsJackie WheatlandJenny Cradock

Family Volunteer Co-ordinator 01243 815273Jane Wilkinson

Family Support CounsellorPhil Portway

Team AdministratorKaren Spencer

In the language of flowers,

the snowdrop means hope and

consolation

DONATION FORM

I/We would like to make a donation and enclose £. .. .. .. .. .

name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

send to: The Sussex Snowdrop Trust,

3 Kingley Centre, Downs Road,

West Stoke, Chichester PO18 9HJ

Please make cheques payable to ‘The

Sussex Snowdrop Trust’. Gift Aid

Forms can be supplied upon

request or downloaded

from the website.

WELCOME to Deirdre Hoggarth who joins us a Trustee. Deirdre, a former Snowdrop Mother, currently works as a Health Visitor in and around Chichester, and brings to the Trust a wealth of personal and professional knowledge and experience. Also joining Snowdrop this year is Jenny Cradock. Jenny, a Worthing Firefighter and former Snowdrop Family Volunteer, joins the Care at Home Team as a Children’s Community Healthcare Assistant.

WELCOME BACK to Michele Walker. Michele returned from maternity leave in January following the safe arrival of her son last April.

Jane Evans is one of Snowdrop’s Children’s Community Nurses and heads the Care at Home Team.

Jane joined us in 2001 and has been loved by all families that she has been involved with. She visits the families at home and helps them in any way that they might need. Each family is different and each child is different. Whatever she does, Jane is the ultimate professional - calm, helpful, approachable, kind, and always smiling. In the words of one of the mothers, “Jane, what can I say? You are a truly amazing lady and I’m glad I had the pleasure of you being there for us.”

Diana Levantine, Chairman & Co-Founder

New Family Volunteers are welcomed to Snowdrop. Inductions have been completed and allocation to Families is underway. Child Protection courses have been running; new Volunteers are required to attend basic training and established Volunteers must attend annual update courses. At the time of going to print, a session entitled ‘Boundaries Day’ is planned – all Volunteers being welcome. For further information please contact Jane Wilkinson on 01243 815273.

10 years with

snowdrop!

FAMILY VOLUNTEER NEWS

...to Kate Shaw on being awarded the MBE for her services to the community of Chichester. Kate and I founded The Sussex Snowdrop Trust in 1993, along with our dear friend, Frank Snell. Throughout the next 13 years, Kate and I as Co-

Chairmen, shared the responsibilities of managing an ever-growing and changing charity. Kate has also been a Magistrate, Chairman of the Chichester NSPCC, a Parish Councillor and a member of her local W.I. Kate resigned as Co-Chairman of Snowdrop in 2008, but remains an avid supporter and fundraiser.

Di Levantine, Chairman

CONGRATULATIONS...

We hope you like our new

‘Teddy’ logo as shown on the

front page of this Newsletter

– you’ll be seeing a lot more

of him in the future.