Local Community
Chestnut Tree House – our chosen charity of the year
This is the second year our agency has chosen Chestnut Tree House as a local charity to support. Chestnut Tree is a local children’s hospice caring for 300 children and young adults with progressive life-shortening conditions. They aim to provide the best quality of life for children and their families.
Last year we raised funds through an office tuck box.
This year alongside fundraising we have also given our time to help with two volunteering days. We spent the time gardening in their grounds at Chestnut Tree House, with half the office in one session and the other half in another. This involved a tour of the house, followed by a day of raking, weeding and general maintenance of the garden. The staff at the house were extremely friendly and we finished off the day with a delicious homemade cake!
Next year there is talk of some of us completing the Brighton half marathon in aid of Chestnut tree so watch this space!
October 2019
NFU County Farm Walk – Brinsbury College
This year’s county farm walk was held at Brinsbury College. Many thanks to Richard and Alex who did a superb job hosting the event. Everyone was in agreement that they had no idea how much Brinsbury do and the scale of the farming setup. We thoroughly recommend a visit and we’ve already lined up a trip for our agency.
The evening was rounded off with some drinks and a BBQ… Great fun
September 2019
Members and staff met with Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. We discussed a number of issues relating to rural crime including livestock worrying, technology related crime and firearms. We heard from Tom Carter on his work in the county as operational lead for rural crime. In attendance were NFU Group Secretary Matt Baker, Frank Langrish, NFU East Sussex Council Delegate, Caroline Harriott, NFU West Sussex County Chairman, Katy Bourne and assistant, Mark Chandler, NFU West Sussex Vice Chair, Romy Jackson, NFU County Adviser, Rupert Hoare, NFU Chichester Branch Chair and Tom Carter.
September 2019
We were pleased to attend the annual local ploughing match in Fittleworth. It was great to catch up with some of our farming customers and fortunately the rain stayed away!
September 2019
We’re pleased to announce another years’ sponsorship of the Sussex Food and Drink Awards. Pictured here is the launch event. We’re really looking forward to seeing who is nominated for the awards in 2020. You’ve only got until 24 October to get your entries in.
July 2019
We supported the local Petworth Arts Festival which is a local thriving festival with comedy, jazz, classical and many other performances. There were almost 50 events held over a 2-week period with the support of sponsorship by local people and business.
We provided local Upperton Vinyard sparkling wine for a sponsor’s launch event held at Petworth House by kind permission of Lord and Lady Egremont. We also enjoyed watching various performances including Much Ado About Nothing held at Bignor Park and lunchtime concerts from the Royal Academy of Music.
June 2019
We were pleased to support the Lurgashall Village fete. This fete has a wonderful atmosphere with hundreds of people turning up for the stalls, food, Pimms tent, tug of war, children and dog races (not together!) and much more. Our stall offered one lucky winner a chance to win a prestigious Cowdray hamper. We also ran a game for the children to raise some funds for our Chestnut Tree House charity. We really enjoyed meeting with existing and new customers and hope to be invited back next year.
June 2019
Partner, Matt Baker helped out for the day at the fabulous Open Farm Sunday at Moor Farm, Petworth. It was great to see so many people and to show members of the public around this beautiful farm.
May 2019
We supported the annual Whist event, excellently organised as usual by Pauline Matthews. Good to see so many people supporting and raising funds in aid of R.A.B.I