2012

2012 Newsletter

Dear Supporters and Friends. 
2011 witnessed some important achievements and milestones for The Oliver Curd Trust, the most significant being the Trust's work being recognised by being awarded "The Hastings Achievers Charity of the Year" for 2011.

Our 4th annual fund raisers ball held in Brighton was an outstanding success selling over 220 tickets and raised a staggering £10,000 during the evening. 
A team of brilliant individuals, including Richard Curd, co-founder of the charity organised and took up the fantastic challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro in October to raise £16,500 for the Trust. The climbers all covered their own costs so all donations cam direct to the charity.

Whilst fund raising continues to be particularly chalenging in the tough economic climate, we have once again been amazed with many different ways in which you have chosen to raise money for us, from running marathons, holding music & golf events to utilising our collecting tins for small change - My Fellow Trustees and I are truly greatful for your kindness nd on-going commitment as without it we couldn't help so many families every year.
Over the next twelve months, we will be exploring how we can best support local eligible families who would not necessarily benefit from our accommodation as it is on their door step, and we will keep you up-dated with how this develops. 

Finally I would like to say an enormous thank you on behalf of everyone involved with the Charity and from the families you have supported as none of this happens without your support. 

Tracey Barnett
​Chair of Trustees

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Generosity

A Welsh businessman and his family, have been really touched after reading Oli's story in a national magazine, this inspired them to offer the use of their private apartment in Turkey to the Trust.

He was prompted to pick up the phone and offer his apartment, not only as a prize for our charity ball to auction, but also ongoing throughout the year for families who are able to take advantage of this opportunity. As well as this his business partner also donated to the ball auction a stay at his luxury caravan in Wales.

The Turkey offer is now open to families of up to four people, which includes a child who has recently or is recovering from a threatening illness or where a family is going through their first year of bereavement. 

The Oliver Curd Trust will additionally provide support for families in terms of travel costs. 

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Collection Pots

Thank you to all the establishments that support our collection boxes and to all who have donated to us in this way. In 2011 donations collected from these boxes totallyed over £540 a truly amazing amount from loose change!

Locations of pots:
The Surgery - Northiam
Cock Inn - Peasmarsh
Brede Bakery
Whatlington Garage
The Kings Head - Udimore
The Plough - Udimore
Marino's - Rye
​Gorse & Cart - Peasmarsh

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Thank you to the Caravan Club, East Kent Centre

Eileen Killick, Charity Officer, contacted the Trust last year to say they had chosen the OCT as their charity of the year for 2011 over other charities as they recognised we are run on a purely voluntary basis. A cheque for £2,000 was presented to the trustees Karen Wetherley-Moody and Tracy Barnett at the Clubs Christmas party in November.

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​Events

Golf Day

Friday 22nd July 2011, charity gold day at Lydd golf club. The team consisting of Richard Curd, Eoin Freeman, Simon Yates, Dave Townsend and not forgetting the 2 caddies Ryan & Luke Townsend. A tremendous day which resulted in the OCT team coming 1st and Gibbons Mannington and Phipps donating £1700 to the Trust. A big thank-you to Gibbons Mannington and Phipps for their support. 

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London to Brighton Bike Ride

On Sunday 19th June a team of keen cyclists including Sarah Curd Trustee, Lauren Curd, Christine Charles, Jenna Low, Sue White, Alison Corke, Fred Cartier, Dave Pierce, Chris Ashbee & Jordan Jones. They made the early morning journey to London to take part in the 2011, British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride. The team all completed the 54 mile course whilst only enduring one puncture between them!

The total funds raised were split between The Oliver Curd Trust and British Heart Foundation. Special thank you to Graham Stevens of Anthony Hicks for kindly donating a van for the day to transport the bikes around and for driving the team! We will be entering another team in this years bike ride, please contact us if you are interested in a place. ​

Hastings Half Marathon

The Hastings Half Marathon is an event where we always welcome new and old runners or walkers. Oli's army of red t-shirts has become a regular sire at this event along with Dillon the Dolphin, The trusts mascot. Our thanks to everyone who supports this event each year, from the children who take up the challenge of mini run, to the adults who turn our each year to either run or walk with our collection buckets. In 2011 we were once again the proud winners of the Bill Bailey Charity award worth £500 and the sponsorship money people totalled just over £10,500

The Ball

Once again the support for our charity was evident in the incredible ticket sales and the level of funds raised on this night. Amongst the new guests this year we welcomes Mark Stacey, well known for his appearances on television for many years including Antiques Road Trips & Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is! Mark was joined by Richard Bellards the Magician who bear Penn and Teller at their own game on national television and John Ash a local piper who escorted all our ladies into the beautifully decorated dining lounge. Many of our guests enjoyed playing the casino or once again dancing the night away to the brilliant 1066 Rockitt Men. 

During the evening a presentation was made by Ron Oliver from the William Fagg Lodge, and also Diane Hodd who recently held her own ball in memory of her daughter Amy.
It was an inspiring and emotional evening, and a great night was had by all again! 

Recognising outstanding contribution to the Trust

During the evening we were proud to recognise a few induviduals who contribution and dedication to The Oliver Curd Trust really has made a difference. 

Our quiet heroes, for outstanding contribution

Sam Neild, Karen Tacon, Clive Wetherley-Moody, for their amazing commitment, reliability and dedication. 
Chris Wright - who developed and supports The Trust website quietly behind the scenes, another quiet hero and asset to the Trust.

Our Young Volunteer of the year

Charlotte Barnett - a young student nurce whose passion, support and willingness to help at every event has been amazing, a credit to youth of today.

Fund Raising Team of the year

Team Kilimanjaro. We were really proud to recognise the 12 individuals who spent 3 years organising to save, plan and train for a lifetime challenge to climb Kilimanjaro, raising a staggering £16,500 - An amazing group of individuals who we are so very grateful to.

The Amy & Mollie Masquerade Ball

Mum and long term friend of The Oliver Curd Trust, Diane Hodd organised "The Amy & Mollie Masquerade Ball" in September 2011, in memory of her daughter Amy who sadly lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in October 2007. The evening was an emotional fitting tribute to Amy in celebration of her 21st Birthday in July 2011. The event was also support of 6 year old Mollie Podmore who has also battled with cancer and has since been given the all clear. An amazing £2742.58 was raised on the night which was split between The Oliver Curd Trust and The Children with Cancer Fund. A huge Thank You to Diane and everyone who helped organise the event.

Rock In at The Cock Inn

Kevin & Carole Clifton of The Cock Inn, Peasmarsh hosted a whole weekend of music in August 2011 with proceeds going to The Trust. Music was enjoyed from artists including guitarist Steve Stone, The New Orleans Jazz Band, Borrowed Time, Eclipse (Pink Floyd tribute) and Ska'd 4 Life. Kevin presented a cheque for £1281.55 to Richard and Sarah Curd at The Trusts AGM in November. Our sincere appreciation to Kevin & Carole and everyone who helped organise and run the event. 

Dillon turns on Xmas Lights!

In December Dillon the Dolphin and the Town Mayor turned on the Christmas Lights in Rye at The George Hotel. Once again the wonderful community spirit of the local people was fantastic, and The Trust is grateful for the continuous support of the local area. 

The Robin Hood Bonfire Society 

The Robin Hood Bonfire Society and the Robin Hood Pub in

Icklesham, East Sussex kindly donated £500 by holding various events throughout the year. The Oliver Curd Trust was one of their chosen charities for 2011, they will continue to raise funds for us in the future. The money raised was from Quiz Nights and other social gatherings in aid of local charities and the Robin Hood pub also collected for charities at their boot sales.

Donations

Thank you to The Hastings Ex Boxers, at The Duke Hastings, who on July 2011 presented the Trust with a cheque for £200

​The efforts people have gone to in order to support The Oliver Curd Trust has been fantastic, below are just some of the companies and individuals who have supported us this year.

Andy Maylam and Wendy Catt walked 84 miles the length of Hadrian's Wall raising nearly £600

Andrew Storey organised an event in Cuckfield along with Ray Smith (the Vicar of St Wilfrids Church), and his daughter Katherine Smith (who played the flute with Ashley on the piano) raised another £600

Our thanks for all the wonderful donations which include those from Waitrose in Tenterden, The Southern Mini Club, The Tenterden Inner Wheel and the Surrey Buffaloes to name just a few.

Kilimanjaro Team Alias 'Olimanjaro' Conquer Africa's Highest Mountain

In October a Team of 12 individuals who self funded their own trip costs, climbed Kilimanjaro to raise funds for The Oliver Curd Trust.
This mountain is they highest single standing mountain in the World, spreading vast distances in every direction. Consequently, the team trekked for days over difficult mountain terrain before an attempt on the summit could even be made. The ream received a well justified standing ovation at the Trust's Ball on their return from their adventures.
The Team would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported them and helped to raise a staggering £16,500 for The Trust.

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​How far we have travelled!

In little over 4 years the Trust has become very successful in providing holidays to families who live both locally and nationally, so much so we supported over 40 families in 2011. We have received referrals from  a variety of places including Noah's ark Hospice in Hertfordshire. Dernelza Hospice in Kent. Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton. Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. Bristol Children's Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Bluebell Hospital in Sheffield to name just a few. In addition we have received referrals through charities including CLIC Sargent and Whizzkids. 

We have recently designed new advertising leaflets and A4 laminate posters, which have proved to be a great success in advertising the Trust and are now on display at The Marsden, Royal Alexandra and Farnborough Hospitals. 
A Hastings Magazine called Parent-link which is a publication received by families who have children suffering from life limiting conditions recently featured an article about the Trust and what we do.

Links have now been developed with Starlight, Make a Wish and Rays of Sunshine Children's charity who all granted wished for children living with serious illnesses. Awareness is crucial for The Oliver Curd Trust to ensure that we reached out to as many families as possible, so they can have the opportunity to enjoy a short break in one of our caravans.
Please continue to support The Trust by displaying our leaflets and posters. Together we can ensure children with life limiting or life threatening illness and their families, or bereaved families are able to take advantage of our facilities. 

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Thank You!

Thank you to all the volunteers and trustees who hive up their time free of charge to support the trust, you are not paid because you are worthless, but because you are priceless!
The Volunteers help clean and prepare the caravans each week, and help organise the hamper basket with the basic essentials much as milk, egg, bacon and break etc which enables the families to have the essentials when they arrive. 

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Gift Aid

​2011 was another great year for the Trust with many fundraising events.  Did you know that if you donate any money to the Trust or sponsor someone in one of the events that we can get an extra 25% of any sum you give back from the taxman?  Over the year these add up to a substantial figure for the Trust.  The scheme is called Giftaid and as long as you’re a UK taxpayer and have paid tax during the year then we can claim. However we do need your help in making sure you complete the sponsor form completely with your full name and HOME address, that way the taxman can identify who you are.  The best bit is it doesn’t cast you a penny.  

Calendar of Events

The Hastings Half Marathon is an annual event in March where we will always have a presence, so if you missed this years date, there is always next year! 

April 22nd Virgin 2012 London Marathon

Thank you and Congratulations to Steve Ayling from West Peckham who we are delighted has accepted our Virgin London Marathon Bond place. Good luck Steve we will all be routing for you.

May 25th - Be A Wally for Oli Day

Our annual event for local schools & businesses to have fun, dress up and be a wally for a day.

Be A Wally For Oli Day was created as a regional event, now in its third year, to not only raise funds for the charity but more importantly to raise awareness of the charity's activities. A number of local business's and primary schools have taken part for the last two years, which include Brede, Westfield, Winchelsea and Peasmarsh Primary schools, also Rye, Peasmarsh and Camber pre schools. 
Horrells the Chemist in Rye High Street each year has dressed up in support of the day, and raised money from donations, as well as Rye Doctors Surgery. Teachers, staff and children became a Wally for Oli wearing pants outside their clothes, while others just dressed as complete Walls's for the day and really got into the spirit of the event. Schools also ran fundraising events on the day such as cake sales and our mascot Dillon the Dolphin and his team of supporters made an appearance at each school on the day to help release balloons sold during the week for the charity balloon race.

October 6th

The Oliver Curd Charity Fundraising Ball at The Hilton Metropole Brighton. Tickets prices held @ £50.

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Royal Mail v Parcelforce

The Royal Mail v Parcelforce worldwide annual Oliver Curd Trust Gold Challenge raised £870.
Our sincere appreciation to Steve Sturges and Steve Collings who organised for the third year running this annual competition. Our congratulations does to the Parcelforce team who won the trophy back by 8-7. We look forward to hearing the results of 2012!

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A Big Welcome

A Big Welcome to our new Mascot, Dolly, Dillon's partner. Dolly will make her debut around Hastings on March 25th at the Hastings Half Marathon. Dillon unfortunately is so much in demand during the summer months with the children, that it was felt he needs to share the responsibility, hence