Arun chairman Ann’s 10,000 reasons to be cheerful

And now her time in office has borne fruit, with £10,000 raised for her chosen charities Combat Stress and the National Osteoporosis Society.

Mrs Smee presented the charities with cheques for £5,000 each at her final chairman’s reception at Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton on Thursday.

Mayors and council chairmen from across West Sussex joined Arun councillors and staff, town and parish councillors and representatives of the charities, ex-service groups and sponsors who have supported the chairman’s fund-raising, at the reception.

Mrs Smee held a number of civic events during her year, including the Arun Chairman’s Charity Race Day at Fontwell Park Racecourse, a civic service with the theme commitment and service, at St Mary Magdalene Church, South Bersted, and a James Bond theme charity dinner dance at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel, Walberton.

She also attended numerous events in the district, including celebrations for the Queen’s diamond jubilee and the Olympic Torch Relay event at Arundel Castle.

Arun chief executive Nigel Lynn said: “This is a fantastic result for Ann and for everyone involved in the fund-raising, and most importantly, for the two charities benefiting.”

Mrs Smee said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we have raised such a wonderful sum from our events. I had wanted to achieve £10,000 for these two worthy causes and we have done it!

“We have had tremendous support through sponsorship, donations and attendance at our charity events. Local businesses, civic dignitaries, fellow councillors, and some of our own officers at Arun, have contributed to our fund-raising and I must thank all of them for their generosity.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being chairman and have met some wonderful people – it has been a real privilege.

“My husband Bill has been an absolute star, as I knew he would be, in supporting me throughout the year, and I would also like to thank everyone at Arun who has helped to make my year successful and rewarding.”

East Preston councillor Terence Chapman has been nominated as the next Arun chairman and is expected to be elected at the annual council meeting on May 22.