Companions Club of Littlehampton

The Bernard Owen Cup.

The Littlehampton Companions annually recognise a person from Littlehampton and the surrounding area for their outstanding contribution to the community.

They attend the annual presentation dinner and are presented with a Cup and given a donation to their chosen charity.  This was originally called the Langford Cup after        Langford, a former member and benefactor of the Club. The name of the Cup has recently been changed to the Bernard Owen Cup after the former member, Bernard Owen, the founder of Owen Electrics.

Bernard Owen Cup 2010

The recipient of the Bernard Owen cup was Mrs Eileen Smart. She attended the Charter night with her daughter, Jacqueline Burchell. Eileen, like so many other volunteers, is someone we do not hear much about. However, she has been involved in helping local organisations for many years.

She was born in Duke Street 79 years ago and has lived in Littlehampton all of her life. She first became involved in community work at the Boys club when it was based at the Davison theatre, which was situated in the Car Park near where the Look & Sea Centre is now. The Club moved to the Flintstone Centre in 1969 where she was the cleaner and boiler man. She also ran the canteen for the Youth Club and organised discos for foreign students until 1980.  She also then ran the sweet counter at Wick post Office.  In 2001 Eileen joined the 50 up Club which is a Club for the over 50’s in the Wick area. On its reorganisation in 2002 she became its Secretary. The club started with 25 members and it has now increased to over 80 members. It is Eileen who organises the twice-weekly Bingo sessions at the Club and also many outings, holidays and lunches. In addition to this, and all the paperwork that goes with running the events Eileen, also raises money for good causes. To date she has raised just on £9000 which has been donated to over 40 different causes, both local and National. This is a tremendous achievement.

The chairman, David Twinn, presented Eileen with the Cup, a replica Cup for her to keep and a cheque for £100. David said ‘It is a great honour for me to present you with the Cup this year in recognition of your outstanding service to the Community. I know how busy you are because when Nina and I met you a few weeks ago your phone never stopped ringing.’

On receiving the Cup Eileen said how highly honoured she was to receive it. The success of the Club was due to teamwork and so the Cup was also in recognition of the hard work of all the other members of the Club. She was going to donate the £100 to the British Heart Foundation.

Bernard Owen Cup Presentation 2009

Each year the Littlehampton Companions Club presents a cup to a local person for their hard work in the community. The cup has been newly named the Bernard Owen Cup after Bernard Owen who was a founder member of the Club.

This year it was presented to Liam Connell at a special presentation dinner which Liam attended with his wife Eileen. This was in recognition of his efforts in raising many thousands of pounds for numerous charities.

Liam is well known in Littlehampton and the area for his Irish Folk music band (Boxty) and many people must have heard him play as he raised money for charity.

He has also organised numerous cycle rides both in Britain and on the continent for local and national charities. His newest adventure will be a cycle ride to Passiondale in Belgium later in the year.

The cup was presented by the Companions Chairman, Tony Squires, who said ‘The Companions are really impressed with Liam’s efforts to raise money for those less fortunate than themselves. His efforts have spanned many years and it was about time that all his hard work was recognised.’

Liam said in reply ‘I feel really honoured to receive this cup and the recognition that the Companions Club has given me. I must also thank my hard working team whose tireless work has helped me achieve so much.’

Liam was also presented with a cheque which he will donate to St Barnabas Hospice.

The Companions Club of Littlehampton

Langford Cup (Bernard Owen Cup)

Winners

1976 to 2010