The Probus Club of Seaford

At our most recent meeting we had a presentation from Anne Bickmore BEM, Founder and Chair of the Charity ABC fund, the aim of which is to ‘put smiles on the faces of children in need’.

The Charity was originally set up in 1991, registered in 2005, and often involved children in fund raising activities, as a way of helping them to be aware of the problems of others. The funds raised are used to provide treats for children in need, such as trips to Legoland, to Drusilla’s Zoo or to the Brighton Palace Pier. The Charity often purchases vouchers for these visits, and in many cases the venue is sufficiently supportive of the work ABC Fund is doing that the vouchers are sold at a significant discount, thus allowing more families to benefit. The vouchers are normally distributed through various agencies which are already dealing with the families concerned, and who are therefore familiar with their needs and problems. Christmas is often a difficult time for these families. Many years ago, the charity distributed four Christmas hampers to needy families; now they distribute over 100. They started by booking four seats for the Pantomime; now they book the whole of the Stalls, and the families get the chance to meet the cast. Thanks to sponsorship from Southern FM, the charity was able to book a whole train on the Bluebell Railway, to give the families a muchenjoyed outing.

Often children have a need to visit hospital, and the charity is aware the hospital funds do not stretch to providing activities for young patients. The ABC fund puts together packs of colouring books, crayons and activity books to provide amusements to take the children’s minds off the treatment they are receiving. ABC fund have also distributed a large number of Trauma Bears: cuddly toys which are carried on ambulances, for the comfort of children who have been injured or taken seriously ill. activity. Apart from many generous individual donations, they receive support from a large number of businesses and other organisations. They have been supported by Marks & Spencers, Morrisons, Bede’s School, Northease Manor and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. They have also organised sponsored events, such as Abseiling, and numerous raffles. All of this is in the interest of ‘putting a smile on the faces of children in need’. For further details see www.abcfund.org.uk.

For our meeting on Tuesday 11th October, we are holding a recruitment event, to give potential members an idea of who we are, and what we do. Our membership is for retired, or semiretired gentlemen who live in Seaford, or the surrounding area. Our meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month, at Seaford (Blatchington) Golf Course, Firle Road. Visitors to this event will only pay half the normal fee. To book a place please contact our Secretary, Gavin, on (01323) 893760. We look forward to welcoming any new members.