Fitting tribute to Middleton fundraiser

A sundial has been installed at Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital in tribute to Julia Cole, usually known as Julie.

The feature is the first of its kind in the hospital. It has been placed in its chapel garden with 225 raised by Julie's friends.

The collection was arranged by Brian Holly. He knew Julie '“ who died on January 26 aged 63 '“ through the fundraising he carries out for the hospital's Friends.

He told the 50 or so friends and relatives who gathered for the

sundial's unveiling: "Julie was a special lady. The lovely thing about a sundial is everyone who comes into the garden can have a look at it and can find out who she was and what she did.

"More than 1,600 has also been raised for St Wilfrid's Hospice in donations for Julie. That's a fantastic achievement which shows what people thought of her. The money came from a lot of people who enjoyed her company when she was here and miss her now she is not. Her family are very proud of her and have every right to be."

Julie's husband Chris briefly paid a tearful thanks to everyone who attended the unveiling. He was joined at the ceremony by their three children, Stephen, Tracey and Sarah.

The sundial was accepted by the Friends on behalf of the hospital.

The lady whose generous nature blossomed at a very young age

A lifetime of generosity began for Julie Cole when she was just 12.

That young age saw her commitment to fundraising begin with a stall outside the home where she was born '“ Cedars in Yapton Road in Middleton '“ to sell comics in support of blind children.

She was a committee member of the Friends of Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital and until recently was helping organise their regular bridge evenings and annual summer fete.

As a member of Middleton's Village Hall committee, Julie also played an important part in fundraising for the upkeep of the Jubilee Hall.

This is the home of her Middleton Olde Tyme Dance Club where Julie happily spent her Wednesday afternoons with many of her friends.

They have raised more than 4,000 for St Wilfrid's Hospice, whose care and support she experienced in her final days, through various events.

Julie also supported a further long list of charities. Her community activities extended to chairing Middleton Wives group, taking over from her mother.

Away from her fundraising, Julie began work at Layne End stores aged about 12 and moved to Elmer Post Office.

She also worked in the night cafe at the former Southdean Holiday Club. She and Chris were married in St Nicholas Church in Middleton in 1968 by Father Silcock.

He returned to the church last August to see the couple renew their vows as part of their 40th wedding anniversary celebrations.

The only time Julie left the area was when the newlyweds moved to Devizes because of Chris's Army commitments.

When they returned 18 months later, she found work in the Middleton Stores and Post Office. She stayed for more than 35 years through five or six changes of managers.

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